Blogs provide virtually all Internet users regardless of their budget to post their thoughts and ideas to the Web. They generally have no cost and they are simple to create since most of the HTML and design is provided for the users. Pre-made templates are available for choosing and most blog entry editors have HTML editors embedded in them. There are blogs created by "amateurs," "professionals," and everyone in between. Some will post about a specific topic, some will post about many topics, some will be read by few, some will be read by many. Some will be intended for a specific audience, some will be intended for personal use, and some will be intended for the general public. To state it simply, the possibilities of blogs are essentially endless.
Blogs can be used effectively by libraries. And most any library could benefit from using this technology, whether it be public, academic, or a special library. A librarian within the library can be in charge of updating the blog with upcoming events, news, and announcements. It makes sense to post a link to the blog on the homepage of the library's Web site or even post a feed of it on the home page so users can see previews of the entries. Examples of topics that could be posted about are announcements of new books, announcements and reminders of library programs, and posting of holiday hours. Blogs can help library users keep up to date about what is happening within the library. If users add the library's blog to their RSS feed, they will not even need to access the library's Web site to access the information.
Allowing users to leave comments on blog entries can allow librarians to see feedback, whether it be positive or negative, which can help improve the library, its actions, and its policies. By using blogs, the library can get information out on a mass scale, but librarians in charge of these blogs must be sure to make sure that their patrons know that the blog actually exists, which is why it is wise to put it visibly on the home page of their Web site as well as promote it in-house and in newsletters.
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