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Blogging in context: reviewing the academic library blogosphere

Rachel Adams (University of Salford Library, Salford, UK)

The Electronic Library

ISSN: 0264-0473

Article publication date: 30 September 2013

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Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to set a context for blogging within academic libraries in order to identify key themes and examples of good practice for others considering blogging as a future activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study encompasses a literature review to identify relevant evidence around blogs within academic libraries, followed by a content analysis of a sample of the UK-based blogs which aims to provide an overview of common activity and a brief survey to blog authors to set the outcomes of the literature review in a “real world” context.

Findings

Blogging appears to be a worthwhile activity for academic libraries looking to present information or connect with users in new ways; however lessons can be learnt from the experience of early bloggers, as presented in the literature. While blogs can fulfil many purposes, it is clear that creating a two way interaction between the library service and its users is difficult within the academic library environment.

Originality/value

The paper presents an up-to-date review of the literature from 2005 to 2012 and includes a detailed analysis of a sample of the UK blogs, comparing their content and activity and a survey of the UK-based academic library bloggers. The article concludes with five key tips for potential bloggers.

Keywords

Citation

Adams, R. (2013), "Blogging in context: reviewing the academic library blogosphere", The Electronic Library, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 664-677. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-05-2012-0054

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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