A blog is a shortened form of "web log". A blog's content and purpose varies. Some are simply personal diaries, some focus on a specific subject such as politics or travel, and some are primarily "newsy" and informational. Also, links to other sites on the web are common.
The main features of a blog which make it different from a regular website include (source):
- Content is presented in an ongoing series of data entries or posts-kind of like a diary or journal
- Typically displayed in reverse chronological order with the most recent entry on top
- Latest news or information is easy to identify
- Allows for comments regarding a specific post from the readers
- For the nontechnical person, no knowledge of HTML or uploading files is necessary
What use could a blog be in a public library environment?
Here are some examples of how other libraries are using blogs ~ please take a look at each of them:
- Southern Tablelands History Matters
- Sutherland Shire Library News
- ACT Public Library Blog
- Cockburn Libraries
- South Perth - Adults
- South Perth - Kids
As you can see blogs can be used to highlight collections, events and exhibitions and to contribute to professional knowledge sharing just for starters! Here is another interesting example: WW1: Experiences of an English Soldier (Hint: check the biography)
This week you will set up your own personal blog to record your thoughts on Learning 2.0 discoveries and the exercises you take part in. Your Learning 2.0 Blog will be set up using Blogger, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use. How easy? It's so easy that the Learning 2.0 coordinators figured it out - this blog you're looking at is also on Blogger!
Blogging etiquette
Remember that what you put on a blog (either one you create or one you post to) is out there for everyone to see. Your code of conduct should apply to all work related blogging. For general information about blogging etiquette it's worth reading the guidelines that IBM provides for their employees.
We will also list here a link to each Library's Social media policy as it is made available to us. Please contact your library representative if you have any questions.
- City of Swan - Draft Online Content Guidelines
(Note: must be at a City of Swan staff PC to access) - City of Gosnells - Social Media Guidelines
- Town of Kwinana - Social Media Protocol
Also read some timely reminders on cyber safety - especially relating to blogs.
Discover: Read your library's online content policy, then watch this video clip which shows step by step how to set up a blog using Blogger
Explore: Follow these steps to create a blog for yourself and start blogging
Step 1. Create a Gmail account (Note: if you already have one you can use it). Don't forget to write down your username and password. Your display name does not need to be your real name. The Learning 2.0 Team are the only people who need to know your true identity and we'll ask for it later.
Step 2. Go to the Blogger website and click on "Sign in to use Blogger with your Google Account"'. Type in your Gmail address and your password.
This will bring up a new page with a big orange button "Create your Blog Now".
Step 3. Name your blog. (Hint: Your blog title? Be as creative as you like - remember, no one but the Learning 2.0 Team need to know who you are. Your privacy is what you choose it to be. Your blog URL? The easier to remember, the better. And don't forget to WRITE IT DOWN...)
Step 4. Select a template design. There are plenty of options and you can change your template at any time.
Step 5. Write and publish your first blog posting. This is the fun part - just click on the 'start posting' link and go...
What do you write about?
Try something on the theme of Learning 2.0.
- What do you hope to learn from the program?
- What do you think about Lifelong Learning?
- What other blogs have you discovered? What do you like about them?
- Can you see a use for blogs inside the Library?
- How about blogging for a client audience?
Also, comments are the fuel that blogs run on. Please comment on your colleagues blogs – see the links to the Participants blog rolls on the left of this screen. Try to make a habit out of commenting on at least five participants blogs each week.
How much do you write?
The recommended minimum is 150 words. The Learning 2.0 Team will be reading your blogs regularly.
Course sign up and blog registration
Once your blog is established, email the Learning 2.0 team (cityofswanlibraries@gmail.com) and tell us your real name, which Library you work at and your blog URL (in the format http://yourblogname.blogspot.com/).
We will keep all real names secret, but we must know who is participating so we can enter you into the draw for prizes. If your Library is not offering currently offering prizes, you can still obtain a completion certificate for this course.
Next week: Sharing images....
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