WebJunction

Our library has just started a news blog. We were trying to get the message out as far as we could, especially amongst other libraries. Do you have any suggestions as to where we could post links or do some advertising on the web? Also, are there any places that would do free advertising? Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Anitra Clausen
Circulation & Information Librarian
Alpine Public Library
www.alpinelibrarynews.org

I guess my purpose is two fold. One, I would like for more local patrons to visit the blog. We have tried such things as newspaper articles, signs at the library and on the public access computers and word of mouth. I guess one next step would be radio. If there are any other suggestions in this regard, I would appreciate it.

As far as being known nationally, that is not really my main goal. The only reason I wanted more widespread visibility for our blog is because I have been visiting other library websites and have enjoyed seeing the different points of view and the way the daily affairs are handled.

I also view other libraries not as competition, but as comrades, ones I can learn from and receive advice. I thought others would like to get to know our library and could give and receive suggestions as well. In short, we wanted to do more to be part of the library community locally and beyond. Our blog, which expands on our website, seemed to be a step in the right direction.

Hi Anitra,

It's hard work, isn't it? I was with the Washington State Library while they were trying to get [url http://wastatelib.wordpress.com/]their blog[/url] going and it definitely takes persistence!

I think it's important to remember that are at least two primary audiences (you might come up with more) and each one requires slightly different tactics. As you mentioned, you want to reach your local community - those who are already regularly online and accustomed to using blogs and those who might be new to blogs. Another group is the library blogging community, in order to build the comradery you spoke of.

It sounds like you are on the right track for getting the word out to your local community. Remember that it takes time to get a regular "blog following". Be sure to send out those press releases any time you have an event at your library where you are updating content (and uploading pictures) on your blog. Does your library send out a newsletter to Friends of the Library? You can include links to the blog with your new content. You can also put the URL to your blog in your email signature line - anyone that contacts you will be reminded.

Your next step is to get the word out to all the online communities. You can certainly start here on WJ - we have an [url /forums/forum.jspa?forumID=120]Emerging Technologies forum[/url] where you can alert our community to your blog, talk about troubles, best practices, new tips, etc. I also recommend linking to other blogs on your site and getting yourself set up with a [url http://del.icio.us/]del.icio.us[/url] account and even a [url http://www.librarything.com/]Library Thing[/url] account. You want to think about where those online communities already live and reach out to them.

Here's a couple places you can find more information about getting the word out. I always recommend Meredith Farkas' [url http://www.sociallibraries.com/course/]Five Weeks to a Social Library[/url]. It's a great way to make sure you are covering all the basics - and then some! Also, I just found this article on [url http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/04/the_120_day_won.html]How to Evangelize a Blog[/url] - I thought tips 4-7 were very helpful.

I hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your progress!

Zola Maddison
WebJunction

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I was wondering if anyone knew of a directory or a list of library blogs? If not, are there any suggestions as to how to get one started?