Millenials

The characteristic of millenials wanting, expecting, and even demanding 24/7 service seems to be accurate. One issue that millenials seem to bucking the trend is the conventional way of obtaining goals such as with jobs and careers. There does not seem to be the only path of the conventional way to obtain a job, resume, interview and staying at a job for many years.

The portability of retirement accounts. The mobility of millenials, and still being able to stay in touch with friends and family illustrates no longer such a great reluctance to leave an area (assuming financial needs can be met).

There does seem to be a lack of understanding and interest in history or the way things were typically accomplished. It is unclear as to why this, but it may be because the past's methods and rules do not appear to be valid and directly applicable to today. I would think that it is hard for millenials to imagine that a typist was a job that was necessary and even popular in the past.

I don't know if the technology does not lend itself to wanting to find out more about the past or the newest technology provides the immediacy of emphasis for the present and does not focus on the past and history.

David

Blogging

Blogging is an informational and marketing tool. The concept of a blog is quite egalitarian since everyone can post and everyone gets equal space to share their thoughts and ideas. A blog can be cumbersome and even forgotten if the purpose of the blog or intention to maintain the blog do not orginate from a concrete purpose. A blog is not a panacea for all an all encompassing "suggestion box" or a marketing tool to the incusion of a sound marketing plan or events page.

A blog is ideally suited for specific issues. I think when you use it for events it is a bit one sided as you are disseminating information but not needing or requiring feedback and opinions. An issue or the promotion of the discussion of a new feature or procedure is ideal for a blog. Those responding need to believe and see that their opinions and comments will be read and considered. Specifically, the user must perceive that their comments have merit.

For library issues, blogs are ideal for the "quick and dirty" feedback that can result from the discussion of a new database or new library procedures. Library issues can also be tabulated and used for statistics to faculty and administration.

Like other marketing tools, the library blog has to be prominently placed, easy to use, and invite the user to comment.

David