This presentation is for the very beginner blogger For the staff that doesn't blog How to start library 2.0 Where to start with staff that is unfamiliar with web 2.0
I'm head librarian at 2 small libraries in western Mn Each community has population under 5, 000 Farming communities High speed Internet for general community has only been available for the last 5 years Public Library is seen as the “technology” center behind the school
Blogging is successful when clear goals are established Goals need to be articulated Not all goals need to be so established Explanation to follow
I was not always successful sharing all library information with all staff members Renville Branch is isolated Some staff was more enthusiastic about learning than others
Every staff person does not work with every other staff person I was responsible for sharing all the information Renville's new staff needed to be engaged in ongoing training with limited hours available to me to do
Sticky notes are not the best method of sharing information
Just be aware of these tools is not enough Using these databases to their full potential is cost-effective. Educating the public is all staff's responsibility
This goal was mine to start Staff learned to embrace the advantages of this type of learning Easy of attending Cost saving Time commitment
Fun of learning Discovering uses in library Answering questions from the public
I knew I would have to develop blog, but I wanted something all could contribute to
Easy to use so all staff could do it immediately Easy to maintain so primary ownership could be shared
Closed blog Only staff would see errors or mistakes Sensitive information could be shared
My mantra became “Put in on the blog” or “Blog about that so everyone knows”
Staff reaction Encouragement to blog Add content Discovery
Better communication between staff resulted in better communication between staff and customers. Added value outcome.
Staff discovered new ideas on their own and share With other Not everything came through me
Staff discovered their own online identities Sharing increased Empowerment is good
On education developed from me telling staff to take this class or webinar or tutorial To staff discovering information and methods of learning that worked for them
Staff has developed a comfort level with technology Sharing of resources has expanded Using technology has expanded how library can benefit from technology Make technology work for you instead of the other way around
Establish reachable goals Encourage individual responses but don't let anyone off the hook Celebrate individual strengths