A library, by its very nature, must value the feedback and suggestions of its patrons (Streight, 2007). To fail to do so means the library's resources will fall into disuse, and its funding - the bulk of which comes from taxpayer-funded sources - may dry up entirely. A blog may be useful to a library in this respect in that it discusses issues, events, and other subjects of interest to library patrons, as well as encouraging their feedback and participation. The information libraries convey in these posts, not to mention patron responses, are of a type that cannot necessarily be conveyed in 140 characters or fewer (Glassmeyer, 2010). This sends the message to those who use the library that their voices are valid, their words and time valuable, and that the library is actively listening and responding to what they have to say (King, 2007).
That said, there are certain aspects of blogging it behooves libraries to consider in advance. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that of time. While it is possible for one librarian to be responsible for updating the blog, responding to posts, and otherwise maintaining the site, it makes more sense for most institutions to establish a posting schedule and a reasonably balanced division of labor between several contributors (Glassmeyer, 2010). This librarian, or group of librarians, will also be responsible for disseminating and promoting the blog, making sure via whichever method is most effective that patrons are aware of its existence and continued relevance.
Another consideration is that of cost. While there are a number of free blogging platforms available - this blog being a prime example - some libraries may want to create a dedicated URL for their own institution, not to mention customizing the layout to their own specifications. Expenses for the creation and maintenance of such a site must therefore be given careful consideration. Another related consideration is that of library staff who are computer-savvy enough to be able to make these updates and changes as needed, and the relative advantages and drawbacks of either hiring or training such employees.
Some decisions libraries make with regard to their blogs will, of course, turn out to be wrong for them. While such situations are not ideal, libraries will gain from them in the end if they learn what mistakes have actually been made and take the time, effort and money to reverse them (Skellie, 2007). This is doubly true in responding to negative customer feedback. Although the immediate instinct is to go on the defensive in such situations, the wise library-based blogger will have a well-formulated policy in place to address these concerns in a calm, effective, and ultimately productive manner.
References
Glassmeyer, S. (2010). The library blog is dead. Long live the library blog. Retrieved from http://sarahglassmeyer.com/?p=503
King, D.L. (2007). Valuing users by allowing comments. Retrieved from http://www.davidleeking.com/2007/11/05/valuing-users-by-allowing-comments/
Skellie. (2007). 101 essential blogging skills. Retrieved from http://www.skelliewag.org/101-essential-blogging-skills-67.htm
Streight, S.E. (2007). 20 reasons a business should NOT blog. Retrieved from http://vaspersthegrate.blogspot.com/2007/10/20-reasons-business-should-not-blog.html
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