Using Blogs for Internal Communication

Karen A. Coombs

Why use blogs?

• Existing technology infrastructure for internal communications not well used
• Easy for staff to create and maintain content
• Space for staff to provide feedback
• Good for posting news type information

How it all began

• Development of Libraries Strategic Directions
• Need to communicate information regarding the SD process and gather feedback
• Web Management Committee
• Need to communicate concerning change to library site

Many Different Blogs

• Committee Blogs
• Blogs for Service Points
• Access Services Blog
• ARC Blog
• Blogs for Working Groups
• Instruction Team Blog
• Science Librarians Blog

Blogs for Committees

• Make announcements
• Post minutes and other committee documents
• Gather feedback on what the committee is working on

Blogs for Service Points

• Blogs maintained by staff who work at the desks
• Announcements
• New resources, problems, questions
• Displays on all computers at desk

(used as the active desktop…)

Blogs for Workgroups

• Allow people to share information
• Post items of notes or interest
• Post readings

Unresolved Issues

• Feed subscription issues
• How does this fit with our existing Intranet?
• Integration with existing authentication and authorization systems
• Keeping up with changes to blog permission