Blogs and libraries

We are about to explore as a staff how we can use a blog to promote the library here in Ayr. The challenge for me will be who will do it?

I have been looking at a couple of blogs namely http://librarianavengers.org/ and http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/ both are fun and a bit quirky. They have challenged some of my perceptions i must admit but that is a good thing.

We will be looking at both of these blogs when we brainstorm ideas for our own. I am going to step back and let the staff run with this and we will see where it goes.

Perceptions

Isnt it funny how people perceive what a library should be. Have a look at this link http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/stories/s2555830.htm. It has certaintly generated significant comment on that page. My question is shouldn't the library be for all and not "library snobs".

Web 2.0 and the OPAC

I am starting to investigate our Sirsi unicorn system to see what if any web 2.0 functionality can be dropped onto the OPAC. Hmm It may be time to get the next software update loaded

I am in a new place getting to know people and my first question is "do you use the public library" and the universal answer is "O no i am too busy" hmm now thats a challenge if ever there was one.

time to begin a marketing campaign i think. We need to keep making the library in our small community relevant and alive then you can never be "too busy" to visit your local library.

Oh if you are wondering about the blog name it was a Library promotional slogan many years ago. I can legitimately say last century :). It appeals to my warped sense of humour.

What a hectic last couple of weeks its been. :)

After 6 years in private enterprise with two International Library Software companies in Brisbane Australia I am back in the Public Library world in North Queensland.

Its interesting coming back into the public library sector after this time and getting up to speed on all the current issues and challenges we face, but some things never change. The commitment to serving and engaging the communities we serve is as strong as ever.