Blogs allow libraries to create their own space that is widely accessible to their community. Anyone with internet access can view and interact with a blog.
Their is very little restriction on the possible content of blogs. Posts can be long or short and have links, images, or videos embedded in them. They are versatile, opening them up to be used for a wide range of purposes. For example:
- Some libraries use blogs to store and share information that can be searched for and found by their users. The Yarra Plenty Regional Library does this with multiple blogs on certain topics that have archives going back to 2010 - all of which are available online. The National Library of Australia also has a variety of blogs that follow projects the library is undertaking. As such blogs provide a way for libraries to expand their user-base as well as create new content to be shared and archived.
- (Similarly, labels and tags on blog posts mean that people can easily find all posts relating to a particular tag, so even if a blog has a lot of varying posts and information, users can still find what is relevant to them.)
- Many blogs are used to update people on current and upcoming events, notifying users when new acquisitions are made and keeping people informed on what is happening at the library and the in the community. The Frankston City Libraries' blog The Blogalogue is an example of this.
- Users can comment on blog posts, meaning the people visiting the blog can share their thoughts and even ask questions, getting involved with the library when they previously may not have.
- Blogs may also provide simple information like opening hours and borrowing.
- Blogs often provide links for relevant services like e-libraries or ways to renew loans online.
- Blogs may also be a place for the discussion of library services by people working in the field and a way to share readings on the topic of libraries. An example of a blog being used in this way is the Boroondara Libraries blog, I Read This Thing.
[Edited 10/03/15]
