Thursday, May 2, 2013

Blogs, Wikis, and RSS

Many people are unfamiliar with the term ‘blog’, so I will like to define the word “blog.” The term Blog is a contraction of web-log. A blog can be compared to a personal diary. But, while a personal diary is kept locked in a drawer, the Blog can be read by everyone because it is published online (Zanin-Yost, 2010). Blogs can be used by libraries to offer information on services, new purchases and events. Libraries have begun using blogs to improve their proficiency in many ways. An example is that the Ross-Blakley Law Library Blog at the University of Arizona allows customers to search for news by categories. A Blog can also be used to provide specialized information. An example is that the public library of Allen County in Indiana has a blog dedicated just for young people. A blog can be used to reach out to patrons, especially if the blog is offered in other languages. An example is the Sacramento Public Library which offers the blog both in English and Spanish. The Blog also allows patrons to have a voice and speak their opinions. In the case of the Blog at Cornell University, questions about the library can be answered by anyone. The best example of how a library uses blogs to enhance its efficiency happened at the Ann Arbor District Library. The library integrated the blog into its library’s homepage and information was posted regularly. The blog allows individuals to write their responses informally. A wiki is a website where individuals can collaborate with each other. A wiki is different from a blog because a person can not only add information, but can change what already has been published. Librarians can use wikis as well as blogs to inform patrons about library products and services. The main difference between a Wiki and a blog is that the information within a wiki is subject to change. Wikis are useful in libraries because it allows people to work on projects. An example is that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineering and science libraries created a Wiki where they could discuss what type of services of offer their patrons. Libraries also use Wikis to create spaces where librarians can easily update their research guides and communicate internally. Wikis also allow organizations to communicate and collaborate internally. Libraries can use wikis to enhance their productivity by keeping library personnel informed of what is happening in their systems, or to update manuals and documents that are used in libraries (Zanin-Yost, 2010). ReallySimpleSyndication or RSS is one of the tools that library use because they save time. Libraries can also inform others of exhibitions or other events that are occurring in the libraries. The needs of library patrons have changed, therefore the library must change to accommodate patrons’ needs. If not people will look at libraries as obsolete, and find other means to get their needs met. The technology that is used in libraries should only be used for the real needs of the library and its users.

1 comment:

  1. These technologies each have great potential for both academic and public libraries, especially the blog. When integrated with the library website in a way that is both practical and highly visible, the blog can be ideal for sharing a wide variety of information with users -- as you mentioned, services, new purchases, and events. Additionally, the blog might serve to highlight certain collections, or as a way to help users connect with staff. One place this could be especially true might be for an academic library's reference department. In order to combat students' unwillingness to approach the reference desk, special blog posts could be created as a means to "get to know the librarian" -- maybe including some details about that particular staff member's expertise, background, or hobbies, in effect raising that librarian's approachability.

    ReplyDelete