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An introduction to blogs and RSS readers. Some examples of blogs being used and a brief introduction to using Bloglines. Public library presentation given at the ALLA convention 2006.
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Blogging to Improve ServicesBlogging to Improve Services
Angela RandAngela Rand
[email protected]@cityoforangebeach.com
Orange Beach Public LibraryOrange Beach Public Library
www.orangebeachlibrary.orgwww.orangebeachlibrary.org
DefinitionDefinition
Blog: A Blog: A blogblog (or (or weblogweblog) is a ) is a websitewebsite in in which messages are posted and displayed which messages are posted and displayed with the newest at the top (Wikipedia).with the newest at the top (Wikipedia).
Why Blog?Why Blog?
It is easy to get a blog.It is easy to get a blog. Blog interfaces are easy to use.Blog interfaces are easy to use. Blogs are interactive.Blogs are interactive. Lists and links can be displayed.Lists and links can be displayed. Blogs can be Blogs can be syndicated!syndicated!
Benefits of a blogBenefits of a blog
A blog can be private and relay A blog can be private and relay administrative and operational administrative and operational messages.messages.
Open access blogs can be quickly Open access blogs can be quickly updated to provide news, post art and updated to provide news, post art and pictures and details of events.pictures and details of events.
A blog serves as an archive of A blog serves as an archive of information that would otherwise be information that would otherwise be lost.lost.
Good NewsGood News
You can have more than one blogYou can have more than one blog!!
Plan your blogPlan your blog
Define the purposeDefine the purpose Define rolesDefine roles Find a host (Blogger is Find a host (Blogger is
easiest to use) easiest to use) www.blogger.comwww.blogger.com
RSS: making the blog work RSS: making the blog work for youfor you
RSS is a new technology that RSS is a new technology that allows chosen blog comments to allows chosen blog comments to be delivered to your blog reader.be delivered to your blog reader.
RSS works with blogs to organize RSS works with blogs to organize your information.your information.
DefinitionDefinition
RSS = RSS = – Really simple syndicationReally simple syndication– Rich site summaryRich site summary
RSS ReadersRSS Readers
An RSS reader is the gathering place for An RSS reader is the gathering place for your news, or blog, feeds.your news, or blog, feeds.
RSS readers are aggregators that you RSS readers are aggregators that you set up to receive favorite blogments.set up to receive favorite blogments.
Some free readers are:Some free readers are:– BloglinesBloglines– My YahooMy Yahoo– IE v. 7 includes a web based feed reader.IE v. 7 includes a web based feed reader.– And Google has a web version of a reader.And Google has a web version of a reader.
Bloglines ReaderBloglines Reader
Logged in to my BloglinesLogged in to my Bloglines
ConclusionConclusion The popularity of blogs is increasing The popularity of blogs is increasing
and more features can be expected.and more features can be expected. Podcasts, widgets and other plug-ins Podcasts, widgets and other plug-ins
are useful and fun means of sharing are useful and fun means of sharing information.information.
Blogs allow immediate control of Blogs allow immediate control of information flow from the library to information flow from the library to the public. The Orange Beach library the public. The Orange Beach library regularly hosts classes on blogging regularly hosts classes on blogging and social software.and social software.
Thank you for inviting me.Thank you for inviting me.
