Biblioblogging: blogs for library communication

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe two case studies conducted at the University of Canterbury (UC) which demonstrate the potential of blogging as an internal and external communication tool. The internal blog was used to communicate and manage information for service staff across the library system, while the external blog communicated content and service updates to the academic community.Design/methodology/approachThe paper relates the experience of setting up an internal and external library blog. Selecting blog software and staff training issues are mentioned. The advantages of blogging and the challenges of developing and maintaining readership are discussed, as are criteria for success. A survey of academic staff on their use of information and information technology was also conducted.FindingsBlogs are a successful strategy for disseminating internal information to library staff working in public services. They provide a convenient medium for the transfer of day‐to‐day communication, facilitate best practice and create an archive of institutional knowledge. Blogs are also a valuable tool to communicate targeted subject specific library information to academic staff.Originality/valueThe experience at UC Library suggests that, although faculty are heavy users of the internet, this does not necessarily generalise to their use of blogs, and librarians need to take a leadership role in promoting blog technology as a way of transforming internal communication and external relationships with library users.