Weblogs and Libraries

Citation

du Preez, M. (2005), "Weblogs and Libraries", Online Information Review, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 432-433. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520510617956

One of Anne Clyde's interests is research on the use of the internet and online information services. Some of the projects she is working on are related to the development of school library web sites. Weblogs and Libraries is one of her many publications in this field. In it she discusses weblogs and libraries from two main perspectives: weblogs as sources of information, and weblogs as tools that could be used to promote library services or to provide a means of communication with library clients. The book begins with an overview of the weblog and “blogging” phenomenon and traces its development over the past few years.

Chapter 2 discusses weblogs as sources of current information, showing why the format of weblogs is perfect for current awareness services and advising on the evaluation of weblogs as information sources. Weblogs in the field of library and information science are the focus of Chapter 4, where they are considered from a number of perspectives. These perspectives are based on who the weblog creator is and the purpose of the weblog. Chapter 5 attempts to provide a picture of the “state of the art” of library weblogs (that is, weblogs created and maintained by libraries). The aim of this study is to identify the kinds of libraries that have weblogs, to investigate the way library weblogs are being maintained, the purposes for which they were created, the intended audience, the content of the weblogs and some indicators of commitment to the library's weblog project.

Although weblogs could be valuable sources of information, they are just as difficult to find. Chapter 3 is dedicated to a discussion of directories of weblogs and search engines for weblogs, as well as some other useful strategies, such as the use of weblog software sites, lists provided on weblogs and meta sites about weblogs. It thus attempts to assist readers in finding valuable information that could suit their specific needs.

Chapter 6 provides basic information about weblog software, weblog hosting and special features of weblogs, while Chapter 7 provides information about the ongoing maintenance and management of a library weblog.

Weblogs and Libraries reads easily, includes valuable references, bibliographies at the end of each chapter and a useful index. It concludes with selective lists where further information about weblogs and blogging can be found in printed sources, in web‐based sources and in a number of specialist weblogs. This useful book can, despite the odd typographical error, be recommended to all interested in weblogs and the blogging phenomenon.