Library Blogging [Paperback]

Karen A. Coombs (Author), Jason Griffey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1586833316 | ISBN-13: 978-1586833312

Thinking of setting up a blog for your school, academic, or public library? This book is for you! Learn all about the blogosphere and its place in your library. Learn the nitty gritty of setting up and hosting your library blog. Find out just what you need in hardware and software to make your blog work like a charm. See examples of groundbreaking uses for your library blog! Library Blogging is an overview of the world of blogs in libraries, including both use and technological discussions. These technology gurus bring you the "why's" of using a blog in a library context, the strengths of using blogs, and the actual how-to information. The book will gives an overview of the different options available for a library blog, the appropriateness of each option, and the possibilities of each program or service. This is all the information you need on the topic of library blogging.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Blogging books are starting to abound, but one targeted for use by K-12 library media and technology specialists are few in number. Michael P. Sauers's Blogging and RSS: A Librarian's Guide (Information Today, 2006) might be useful for background information, but for those in a school setting, this slim volume provides not only the foundation (by defining blogging, providing examples, and giving the rationale for the necessity of having one in an academic setting), but also the nuts and bolts for creating and hosting school library blogs. The authors give basic information, so even novices will be able to understand not only the terminology, and be able to differentiate types of blogs, but will also gain skills in setting them up. Chapters on using Blogger, WordPress.com, WordPress.org, and Movable Type are useful in their screen-shot presentations, but users must carefully read the text to find the instructions. A chapter on related technologies, such as syndication, RSS, XML coding, mashups, photoblogging, and podcasting, is provided for those who want to delve further into Web 2.0 technologies. Most useful are the chapters "Why a Library Blog?" "What Is Possible with a Blog?" and "Blog Culture." Librarians needing more in-depth instruction may have to purchase a book that deals exclusively with a particular blogging software.—Angela Washington-Blair, Emmett J. Conrad High School, Dallas, TX
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Review

"This is a very informative book for librarians who want to know about blogs, whether they are beginning bloggers or someone who plans to set up a library blog. The detailed directions are easy to understand and follow. Numerous examples provide even a casual reader with knowledge they can use. Many examples of how blogs are used in libraries, both for internal and patron use, at all types of libraries are provided in the book. In many cases, a screen shot is shown and the URL is given. These links are very helpful in understanding what outstanding library blogs look like. Technical information about how to set up and maintain a weblog is given, including different types of tools that can be used for creating blogs. There is also information about the ways a blog can be hosted, including costs and how to find free blog hosting sites. The related technologies that are available to use in a blog and how to use them are described. Because of its organization and clear headings, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to know more about blogging. Recommended."

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Library Media Connection

"Blogging is an increasingly popular way for libraries to announce and promote events and news, highlight new titles and materials in their collections, publish book reviews, and interact with and engage patrons in dialogue. Library Blogging is not only an easy to understand how-to guide that helps get libraries up to speed on blogging, but it also discusses reasons for blogging, as well as providing both real-world and inspirational examples. It includes well-illustrated examples and instructions, tips, and pointers, providing step-by-step instructions and help for libraries starting up a blog. Library Blogging includes information about the software needed to set up a blog, as well as a focus on best practices and expectations. This is an excellent introduction to blogging, especially as it relates to libraries, and will be of interest to any library staff interested in blogging by libraries or in starting their own library blog. Recommended for all libraries."

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The Tech Static

"…For those in a school setting, this slim volume provides not only the foundation (by defining blogging, providing examples, and giving the rationale for the necessity of having one in an academic setting), but also the nuts and bolts for creating and hosting school library blogs. The authors give basic information, so even novices will be able to understand not only the terminology, and be able to differentiate types of blogs, but will also gain skills in setting them up. "

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School Library Journal

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Linworth Pub Co (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586833316
• ISBN-13: 978-1586833312
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,171,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)