LIBR 246-12: Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools (Fall 2008)

What Makes Library Blogs Successful?
 

There are many factors that contribute to a library blog’s success. One of the most important things is that the library staff be supportive of the blog. If maintaining the blog is left to one person as a side project or tacked on to one of their many duties, it will slip by the wayside. That has been the case at my job. Though our Systems Librarian launched the blog with the best of intentions, she is incredibly busy and pulled in so many different directions.

INTRODUCTION

There are many libraries blogs. Alternatively, blogs about libraries, or blogs by librarians for patrons, or blogs by librarians about librarians, etc. At its base, a blog is a tool. It can be an effective tool that can be applied in many different ways. In the last five years, library blogs have grown and matured from the few tech based blogs by techies who know how to write code to blogs that can be written by just about anyone and about anything.

Today, many organizations including libraries are attempting to implement Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs. Libraries hope that it can help them update their image from old or outdated to technologically savvy. Blogs are seen as a way to attract patrons who can utilize library services and visit the library’s physical space. All these are possible and can lead to success, if blogs are used the righ