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
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