Week 2: Blogging

Software

There are pros and cons for both hosted blog software and independent blog software. I think that it may be more useful for libraries to use open-source software. With open source, libraries would be able to have more control with the software and customize it to best suit their needs.

If there is a small budget to work with and I still wanted to start a blog, I find it would be easier on if open-source software were used instead. Open-source would be free whereas proprietary software usually comes with a fee.

Library Blogs

I find it really interesting that blogs are being used in business to build relationships with customers. It is this relationship building with patrons that I find makes using blogs an important tool for libraries. Blogs may foster an online library community and help libraries learn more about what the online library community is interested in. By being able to post and leave commentary, blogging gives patrons a voice in the online library community.

Case Studies

In the case studies, the blogs vary in their function. At Georgia State, the system used is a proprietary one. News is posted by library staff and viewers cannot post themselves or comment. The Madison-Jefferson County Public Library's blog is closer to what I imagined a library blog to be like. There are news, event, and activity updates among other cateogories. People can post and comment on postings. I really like that people can write reviews on books. I also really like the video interview with an author.