Blogs are an easy-to-use online publishing tool that allows users to post and share content in reverse chronological order. They are interactive when comments are enabled and can engage both library staff and users in conversation on the website. Libraries commonly use blogs to share timely news, information and reach a wider audience. Popular blog software options for libraries include Blogger, which is free and allows users to create a blog with a Google account by choosing a name, template and starting to post content.

1. WEB 2.0: BLOGS Taught by Stefanie Gorzelsky

2. Characteristics of Web 2.0 Rich user interface Adapts to user to achieve his or her goal Looks and feels like a desktop application Web as a platform Web is a place to do things Users create value Sites are useful because of the materials that you put there Zimmerman, Stephanie. “Web 2.0? Wow!” http://socialwebhandson.wik.is/

3. Characteristics of Web 2.0

4. Blogs Short for “Web Logs” Easy-to-use online publishing tool Lists content in reverse date order A great way to engage staff and library users in conversation Interactive when comments are enabled Zimmerman, Stephanie. “Web 2.0? Wow!” http://socialwebhandson.wik.is/

5. Blogs Screenshot from http://www.theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2005/07/14/the_perfect_library_blog_example.html Information from http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/stories/2002/01/19/whatIsAShiftedLibrarian.html

6. Libraries who blog American Library Association blogs http://wikis.ala.org/readwriteconnect/index.php/ALA_blogs Pennsylvania Library Blogs http://palibblogs.wik.is/ Blogging Libraries Wiki http://www.blogwithoutalibrary.net/links/index.php?title=Welcome_to_the_Blogging_Libraries_Wiki LIS Weblogs Wiki http://liswiki.org/wiki/Weblogs

7. Why blog? Blogs are timely News and information can be posted and passed on with minimal delay Blogs are accessible Since they are designed for open access, content is easily read Reach out to a wider audience – patron web presence Blogs are interactive Staff can publish blogs, and patrons can comment Sauers, Michael P. “Blogging and RSS: a Librarian’s Guide.” Information Today. Medford, New Jersey. 2007. P 6-8.

8. Blog Software Windows Live Spaces

9. Creating Your Blog Go to https://www.blogger.com/start Blogger is a Google tool Must have a Gmail account. Can be accessed through the “My Account” feature

10. Step 1: Create an account This is your Google email address Your digital ‘signature.’ Choose something you would like to be ‘known’ as, either pseudonym or real name. Can be changed later.

11. Step 2: Name your blog Blog title and Blog address can both be changed at a later date

12. Step 3: Choose a Template Choose a design template for your blog This can be changed later Simply determines the look and arrangement of your blog Click “Start Blogging”