Thing 6 - Find out about Blogging

So, what's a blog away?

Listen to a podcast on blogging




Hear me at WildVoice.com

A blog is a web site that is:
· organized chronologically by date (newest entries are usually at the top)
· Self-archived by date
· Updated regularly with short entries or posts
· Includes links, more links and still more links
· Uses a unique URL for each post
· Provides an RSS feed that syndicates the blog’s content

A blog features include:
· Dated entries
· Mission, goal statement, or About the blog area
· Categories for posts
· Permanent URLs for each post
· Comments on posts by readers
· Archives
· Lists of other blogs the author reads
· Navigational links
· Tags (or keywords) for each post assigned by the author (s)
· Contact information

These excerpts were taken from Library Technology Reports. Web 2.0 & Libraries. Chapter 2: Blogs. Pages 16 & 17 by Michael Stephens


As you explore the discovery resources below, please start thinking about this question: "How can a blog be useful for libraries?


Discovery Resources


Blogs - Wikipedia article

How and Why use blogs to promote your Library services - article by Darlene Fichter

What's a blog - YouTube Video



Discovery Exercise

1. Read or watch at least one Discovery resource in the list above.


2. Check out these lists of library blogs at the Blogging Libraries wiki. Choose one that looks interesting and explore it. Think about how you could use a blog in your work.


3. Visit the VBPL's LCDT blog, VBPL Talks. Explore this blog. It's a great way for you to communicate with Library leadership. OPTIONAL: Post a comment or ask a question. If you ask a question, please make sure that it follows establish guidelines.

Get ready! In the next post, you'll learn how to create your own personal blog in three easy steps. Then, you'll be blogging.