How Libraries are Using Web How Libraries are Using Web LogsLogs

Public Libraries in the USAJuly 2005

Presentation for MLA 2005Jennifer Crispin

WeblogWeblog

• "a website that is updated frequently, with new material posted at the top of the page.”

• Rebecca Blood, Weblog Historian

Overview of Previous ResearchOverview of Previous Research

• Blog Without a Library• Cites and Insights• Weblogg-ed

• Most research combines library blogs with blogs by librarians

Criteria for InclusionCriteria for Inclusion

• US• Public Library• Blog Format or Software

SourcesSources

• Libdex- – 23 Weblogs– 13 Active

• Open Directory– 10 Weblogs– 3 Active

• Blog Without a Library– 101 Web Logs– 69 Active

What is Active?What is Active?

• Post(s) after June 30, 2005

• Some “active” weblogs had no posts in July

Points about Data CollectionPoints about Data Collection

• Not as user, but as researcher

• July 2005 is random choice

WeblogsWeblogs

• 31 States• 101 Libraries• 136 Weblogs

Active Compared to InactiveActive Compared to Inactive

Active WeblogsActive Weblogs

• 29 States• 88 Libraries• 89 Weblogs• 808 entries in July 2005• Ave. 9 entries per weblog

Active Libraries: Start DateActive Libraries: Start Date

• 37 in 2005• 31 in 2004• 9 in 2003• 1 in 2002• 1 in 2001

• 4 undetermined

Active Blogging Libraries by StateActive Blogging Libraries by State

Active Weblogs, by StateActive Weblogs, by State

Host InformationHost Information

• 44 on Blogspot

• 36 hosted by Library

• 9 on Other– Typepad, Livejournal, lishost, etc

Blogging SoftwareBlogging Software

• 58 on Blogger• 12 on Movable Type• 5 on Word Press• 14 on Other

Blogging SoftwareBlogging Software

AudienceAudience

TopicsTopics

• Book Reviews (42 of 89)• New Book Information (42 of 89)• Library Staff News (32 of 89)• Library Events (65 of 89)• Community Events (31 of 89)• Other (25 of 89)

Outstanding Web LogsOutstanding Web Logs

• Oldest Consistently Updated Web Log– Wilton Library Lines

• http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/liblines/librarylinesindex.asp

• Most entries in July 2005– Sellers Library Teen Page, 67

• http://sellerslibraryteens.blogspot.com/

• Most comments in July 2005– Sellers Library Teen Page, 14

• http://sellerslibraryteens.blogspot.com/

Missouri Library Web LogMissouri Library Web Log

• Missouri River Regional Library Expansion Blog

• http://www.mrrl.org/expansion/blog/• Started April 2005• 20 entries• 24 comments

Is a Blog Right for Your Library?Is a Blog Right for Your Library?

• Don’t start a blog because your colleagues elsewhere think it’s cool. Start a blog if it’s right for your community.

Things a Library Blog Must HaveThings a Library Blog Must Have

• Street address. • Other contact information• Link to library page• Names of authors.

• Consistent Updates!

Blogs Take TimeBlogs Take Time

• 20 minutes a day• Job duty• Spread the work

CautionsCautions

• 404 Pages• Abandoned• Comment spam• Represent the library

Abandoned BlogsAbandoned Blogs

• Why so many?• Lack of time• Lack of interest• Blogging librarian moves

Blog SoftwareBlog Software

• http://www.blogger.com

• http://www.movabletype.org

• http://www.wordpress.org

Blog DirectoriesBlog Directories

• http://www.blogwithoutalibrary.net/

• http://www.libdex.com/weblogs.html

More ResourcesMore Resources

• http://www.jennifercrispin.com– Presentation File– List of Weblogs Studied– Links to Resources