How Libraries are Using Web Logs Public Libraries in the USA July 2005 Presentation for MLA 2005 Jennifer Crispin

Weblog "a website that is updated frequently, with new material posted at the top of the page.” Rebecca Blood, Weblog Historian

Overview of Previous Research Blog Without a Library Cites and Insights Weblogg-ed Most research combines library blogs with blogs by librarians

Criteria for Inclusion US Public Library Blog Format or Software

Sources Libdex- –23 Weblogs –13 Active Open Directory –10 Weblogs –3 Active Blog Without a Library –101 Web Logs –69 Active

What is Active? Post(s) after June 30, 2005 Some “active” weblogs had no posts in July

Points about Data Collection Not as user, but as researcher July 2005 is random choice

Weblogs Weblogs 31 States 101 Libraries 136 Weblogs

Active Compared to Inactive

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

Active Libraries: Start Date 37 in in in in in undetermined

Active Blogging Libraries by State

Active Weblogs, by State

Host Information 44 on Blogspot 36 hosted by Library 9 on Other –Typepad, Livejournal, lishost, etc

Blogging Software 58 on Blogger 12 on Movable Type 5 on Word Press 14 on Other

Blogging Software

Audience

Topics 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 Logs Oldest Consistently Updated Web Log –Wilton Library Lines Most entries in July 2005 –Sellers Library Teen Page, 67 Most comments in July 2005 –Sellers Library Teen Page, 14

Missouri Library Web Log Missouri River Regional Library Expansion Blog Started April entries 24 comments

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 Have Street address. Other contact information Link to library page Names of authors. Consistent Updates!

Blogs Take Time 20 minutes a day Job duty Spread the work

Cautions 404 Pages Abandoned Comment spam Represent the library

Abandoned Blogs Why so many? Lack of time Lack of interest Blogging librarian moves

Blog Software

Blog Directories

More Resources –Presentation File –List of Weblogs Studied –Links to Resources