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Blog Do's and Don'ts
It was interesting this week to read about what should and shouldn't be done with blogs. Reading about the web usibility and how to make an effective blog on the web. I thought it was interesting the different things that should be included on a blog that would entice a new user to read it and continue to do so. Such things as, creating a bio or including a picture, things that I would not have thought would be required on a blog. I think that my thinking of a blog has been clouded by my exposure to livejournal, which I only read to keep track of friends. Where there, things are so informal and I know the people that there is no need for either of these requirements as well as many of the other areas mentioned. In terms of blogs for libraries, I think that some of this web usability could be used, but I see issues in that librarians may not what any of their personal information displayed on a library website for security reasons, the same with pictures. Anonymity may be important to many on the library staff.
In term of the use of blogs in the library I think that more libraries should use this tool in order to help promote not only the library and the services and events that are occuring at the library but also as a possibility as giving a forum for library users to discuss topics such as internet filtering for example. Ethics are also a major issue for libraries when they use blogs to discuss issues. What the reading on this topic mentioned is right, librarians need to make sure that when they mention a so-called fact, they make sure that this is correct before it is posted online where it is then is more difficult to correct before it is seen by users. Overall the issue of ethics is a tricky situation for libraries in trying to keep up with new technology.
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You make a suggestion about the possibiltiy of blogs for giving a forum for library users. I think this is a great outreach tool to target those groups in the community that have a voice and want to connect with eachother (but don't participate in traditional ways).
You mentioned internet filtering as an example -- I wonder if a successful blog that patrons contributed to would have any influence in controversial policies such as that.
Hi Carolyn,
I was thinking about your comments on anonymity, and I wonder if there is a way for a librarian to have a good blog profile without revealing too much information about themselves. I guess once you decide to publish online, you have already accepted that what you say and your online presence in general will be open to "the public". I can understand the desire to not provide too much information about oneself though, as it is hard to take information back completely once it has been posted online. I sometimes worry about that myself!
There is definitely a "harsh reality" of losing privacy when one publishes on the Web. I'm generally not too concerned with privacy myself (as long as I'm the one putting up information about myself, of course!), though I can certainly see why some librarians might be opposed. That said, perhaps only librarians who are okay with revealing their identities would update the blog, or a "generic" library account could be created for all librarians (or even just those who weren't comfortable going public). Though this takes a degree of the "personal" aspect of blogs away, I am of the mindset that people realize that an organizational blog will not be as personal as will an individual's blog, so it may not be a big deal to have a generic library account.
"Everything I say is a lie...
... in fact, I'm lying to you right now..."
I can also see why people are opposed to posting a lot of personal information online, but it is becoming commonplace to post email addresses, staff lists, and other contact information online in an effort to reach out to online users. Is it that big of a step to post some ideas on a blog? Library blogs do NOT have to be personal, and many of the ones I've looked at aren't, and even I wouldn't have a problem posting events, library information, and some general commentary (and I tend to be fairly reticient with my information online, compared to my peers).
Hi Carolyn -- Your point about using a blog as a forum for users to interact is a great one! The format is perfectly suited to that purpose and the blogs I read that include a lot of interaction from the audience are usually really successful.
You also mention the issue of privacy and anonymity with respect to librarians posting on behalf of the institution. I sometimes hear that from concerned librarians when I talk to them about blogging, but what about ownership and accountability? I can sort of understand that some people have issues with, for example, putting up their picture online (to which I say: use an avatar!), but I can't see much defense for not wanting to use your name online. I believe that bloggers, especially institutional bloggers, should take ownership of their ideas and be accountable for them. Without that, it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to engage your users in an open & honest dialogue.