The Best of All Possible Blogs

After reviewing several blogs, I observe that libraries continue to provide the same content but use different delivery mechanisms to engage their users.

Those about the business of library advocacy have used e-mail, Web sites, displays, and newsletters to bring services and resources to the attention of patrons.  Blogs can be used to provide this same content but offer a more interactive medium. 

Patrons still need to know what's new, what events are scheduled, what's in the collection, and what services are provided.  Effective blogs accomplish these goals using a variety of categories depending on the community needs.  What is unique to blogging is the opportunity to search the site, click on archived information, subscribe to RSS feeds, post a comment or feedback.  Blogs allow for more ownership or "participatory management."  Blogs level the playing field and enable a greater exchange of information:  thoughts, expectations, and experience.  Consequently, a greater sense of community develops.  Blogs centralize information but allow for versatility.  The user may IM, Chat, Phone, or E-mail the staff. The user may click on learning links or reading lists, documents:  study guides/notes/syllabi/how to, watch screencasts, or listen to a podcast The user may assign a tag, write a book review, or offer a suggestion.  In short, blogs empower the end user while permitting staff to promote library services and resources.