Exercise 2 - Blogs

1. What do you see as the differences between the five blogs I asked you to subscribe to in terms of the type of blog and the type of post (genre, length, etc.)

In the library with the lead pipe
Semi-Academic format and writing style, but its subject matter and content tend towards more a non-
traditional, progressive thinking approach to library management and operations. Attitudes generally
skew towards a younger generation of librarians: Gen-X and Gen-Y.

Librarian's Commute
Personal librarian's blog regarding their issues and concerns with the various idiosyncracies that
occur in the line of duty. Generally a sounding board for the blog's sole writer's thoughs and
concerns. Much of this sounds akin to someone simply blowing off steam regarding their personal
issues and concerns over work. A very personal blog in that respect.

The Distant Librarian
Tech services oriented blog geared primarily towards providing information on potential resources for
online tools, as well as commentary on tech trends in the field of librarianship. The blog takes on a
largly informative tone in its writing style.

Librarian by Day
Industry management oriented blog geared towards higher level library staff, likely library
directors. Emerging internet technologies and their implications on librarianship are addressed, but
they are portrayed as opportunities rather than threats, as many traditional librarians would see
them.

David Lee King
Similar to the Distant Librarian blog, both focus on technology, but King's blog places especial
focus on user experiences in regards to the library tech experience. In addition, the blog focusses
on how to engage patrons through the use of social media technologies. Like many other librarian
blogs, the implications of new and growing technologies on librarianship are also addressed.


2. What types of posts do you find most appealing to read and why?
Generally, I find posts on listing specific technologies and software interesting, as they introduce
me to potential tools that would prove useful to me, but I otherwise would never know about. This is
especially handy as to me, it is a modern day extension of librarianship. Finding pertinent, useful
resources for users in all forms, is the essence of library service.


3. What library blogs did you subscribe to? Please include a 1 to 3 sentence description of each one.
Gizmodo
This is a science and technology blog with a slant towards emerging consumer electronics and other
such products. Much of the content discusses editors' thoughts and interests in new technologies and
their potential uses, as well as simple speculation on rumored products and features.

Tame the Web
This is a blog run by Michael Stephens, an MLIS instructor at SJSU. The blog is aimed at discussing
ways to make libraries relevant as a community institution and not an information repository as it
has been for centuries prior to the advent of the internet. The focus of this blog is on promoting
this community service model as a way of enabling libraries to survive in the future.

ReadWriteWeb
ReadWriteWeb is a technology analyst blog that discusses the latest news affecting internet
technology. This can include internet political legislation, corporate user policies, online service
models, etc.

4. Based on the blogs you chose, what are some of the characteristics that you think make a library blog successful?
A unique voice that stands out from the typical AP newspaper style of writing, one that is more
conversational is one of the first keys. Engaging, relevant content that can clearly articulate why
it is important to the blog's readers is also important, and will keep them coming back for more. But
most of all, the blog must contain resources that lead to useful tools for the library blog's
readers. The blog's writers must keep up with the latest technologies and show what is out there and
immediately relevant and useful to the readers. By doing this, the blog provides value to the readers
and gives them a reason to come back to the blog and treat it as a valued daily resource.