Thing 1: Create a Blog

Since we're going to be using this blog to walk with you through the program, we want you to create your own blog to keep track of your progress and thoughts and discoveries.  We recommend blogger because it's super easy and free and the most popular choice for bloggers around the world!

Before you wander off in all your excitement to create your blog, here are a few guides we've (legally, don't worry!) borrowed:

 

Now, if you think blogs are just whiney diaries, think again!  I've seen more of the blogs I've been reading for years become books (and even films, like Julie and Julia!) and their authors run the talkshow circuit.  For example, have you heard of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman?  She published a cook book last year and has been on all the shows.  And, not only are blogs an important, informative and fun format, they're pretty darn useful for librarians.  From programming ideas to book reviews, there are blogs on just about everything.  And isn't the term blog kind of a weird-sounding word?  Check out wikipedia's entry on blogs if you're really curious about its origins.

Now, let's get started.  First, a humble request: so we can keep track of who's who and maybe get to know you a bit better, please use your real name when you create your account (under display name.)  These blogs can be deleted when you're finished with the project, so no worries!  So, to get you revved up, Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a blog with blogger:

Now that you're blogging-royalty, keep a few things in mind:

1. To Add Posts: go here to access your blog.  Be sure to write down your username and password so you can access your blog and keep us updated on how you're doing and all the cool things you're learning.
2. To View Your Blog: your blog address is http://XXXX.blogspot.com (the XXXX is the unique name you've given your blog, for example, on our blog it's 21ThingsforKidLibs.  Be sure to write down your blog address too!
3. Send your blog address to your assigned mentor so we can keep up with you!

Feel free to add a post to see how it all works.   Like, you might consider writing a post about your expectations and thoughts about this project.  Are you terrified?  Bored already?  Fearing how much time it will all take?  I for one am really interested in how ya'll might think a blog would/could work in your libraries?  There are a handful of libraries in our county (Pittsburgh, PA) who use them privately, as staff blogs to keep the staff, who often works weird hours, all on the same page about the library's goings-on.

If you're feeling really adventurous, try something else:

• change your theme up!  You can go to settings and adjust fonts and colors.
• add the blogroll gadget and list 5 of your favorite blogs.  Here are some of my favorites about literacy, reading and other fun stuff:
• Jen Robinson's Book Page
• The Children's Department blog at Darien Library in Connecticut (home of 2010 Mover and Shaker and CATC member, Gretchen Caserotti!)
• Roger Sutton (editor of Horn Book)
• Library Hearted (great children's library services blog)
• ACLA Youth Services (mere shameless self promotion as this is my blog for the children's librarians in our county)
• Cute Overload
• The Happy Accident (social media and reading!)
• The Early Word (bits and bites of new books coming out!)
• Apartment Therapy (kind of a clearinghouse of everything you want to know about interior design)

You're going to need to let US know your blog address so we can pop in to help and provide much-needed feedback and support as you find your inner techie!  So be sure to email your mentor and let her know where you're at.  And remember - have fun, play, press buttons, cover your eyes and peek out to see what happens!

Some questions to ponder:

• Would you ever consider creating a blog for your library patrons?
• Would you ever consider creating a behind-the-scenes blog for your staff?
• Had you ever read a blog before this project?  Which one?
• Can you see ways that bloggers are shifting the media and becoming an important source of information?