Biblioblogging: Blogs For Library Communication

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe two case studies conducted at the University ofrnCanterbury (UC) which demonstrate the potential of blogging as an internal and externalrncommunication tool. The internal blog was used to communicate and manage information for servicernstaff across the library system, while the external blog communicated content and service updates tornthe academic community.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The paper relates the experience of setting up an internal andrnexternal library blog. Selecting blog software and staff training issues are mentioned. The advantagesrnof blogging and the challenges of developing and maintaining readership are discussed, as are criteriarnfor success. A survey of academic staff on their use of information and information technology wasrnalso conducted.rnFindings - Blogs are a successful strategy for disseminating internal information to libraryrnstaff working in public services. They provide a convenient medium for the transfer ofrnday-to-day communication, facilitate best practice and create an archive of institutional knowledge.rnBlogs are also a valuable tool to communicate targeted subject specific library information to academicrnstaff.rnOriginality/value - The experience at UC Library suggests that, although faculty are heavy users ofrnthe internet, this does not necessarily generalise to their use of blogs, and librarians need to take arnleadership role in promoting blog technology as a way of transforming internal communication andrnexternal relationships with library users.