Planning Library Blogs
Creating Usable Blogs
Jumpstarting Your Library Weblog
Read Jakob Nielsen’s Ten point ListLook at your library blog with new
eyesMake changes!
Jakob Nielsen on Weblog Usability
No Author BiographiesNo Author PhotoNondescript Posting TitlesLinks Don't Say Where They GoClassic Hits are BuriedThe Calendar is the Only NavigationIrregular Publishing Frequency
Jakob Nielsen on Weblog Usability
The Calendar is the Only NavigationIrregular Publishing FrequencyMixing TopicsForgetting That You Write for Your
Future BossHaving a Domain Name Owned by a
Weblog Service
http://www.hclib.org/
What have we learned?
Planning Steps
Who on your staff will blog?Where will your blog live (in-house or
hosted)?What will you blog about?Will you open up comments on blog
posts? If yes, who will monitor the comments and respond?
Create your blogTrain your staff
Who will blog?
Takes time – a staff responsibilityNatural fit with some positionsInterest, commitment, dedicationSkills
Writing and editing
Libraries & Weblogs:
Library Weblogs can be building blocks for communicating news and information
Transparency & presence can create interest and buy-in with staff and users
Communication + Conversation =
Community
Transparency
Sharing how the library works and how resources are used
Communicates to staff what people do
Creates community
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Read and Evaluate as many blogs as you canTTW HandoutNote what features you like/dislikeGreat first step or jumpstart step
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Find your Voice/Develop a MissionWhat is your goal?How do you want to say it?Are you ready to speak & listen?
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Focus on ContentConfigure the blog then let it work for
you!Focus on creating interesting, useful
postsReach out to users with what
interests them
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Content, Yes, but Design Too!Create a seamless environmentUsability is important: test and test
againStay on top of tech advances
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Share authorshipDepending on your library’s size, 1-
10?Spreads out the writing dutiesAgree on “voice” and Mission
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Post Often and SuccinctlyUsers don’t want huge blocks of textWrite informally but error freeMake them want to return/subscribe
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Develop a Style GuideInsures correct usage amongst
authorsShould carry to print as well
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Train Staff to Blog*Teach them the technologyGive them handy tag sheetsDiscuss what makes a good postPraise them
* and give them time to do so!
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Incorporate the Blog(s) into your siteUse the same colors, look and feelLink between the blog and the
catalog, other pagesMake your front page the blog!
Best Practices for Library Blogs
Create a feeling of TransparencyBlog your projects & plansListen to your users via commentsRespond to your users