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
3 comments:
David, I agree that when we post a library blog it does need to elicit feedback.
The library blog could serve a major purpose as an electronic suggestion box.
I agree that the information posted is only valuable if people are aware it is there. It's like a textbook: it has just what you are looking for or need to know but if you don't know it's in there, you may not search for it.
I do think a dedicated blog is actually easier and more informative than email. For example there is an interesting webinar that Jean found on the Accidental Technology Trainer. If you don't get webjunction email you may miss it, or another example, a free course by Alex Juharz on using You Tube.It was connected to Jean's link to Georgia Harper on her blog, but if everyone doesn't read all the comments on every blog you may miss it.
So where is the best place to share this information so that it can be most visable! I think this library blog is a good place.
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