Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps

NOTE FOR INTERNET EXPLORER USERS:  Unfortunately links do not open in a new window.  When you follow a link in this class, you will need to use the back button on the Internet Explorer toolbar to return to this class.

Blogs are easy to set up and use. This tool provides an easy way to add interactivity to your library’s website. Patrons can offer feedback; you can recommend good books or use it as a way to market library programs. Try searching (using a search engine) for library blogs to see how others have used this tool.

It’s time to set up your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercise responses. For this program, we recommend that you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use. There are many different types of blogging software, but we chose this one to keep it simple.

Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:

1. Create an account (view screenshot)

2. Name your blog (view screenshot)

3. Select your template. (view screenshot)

Once you’ve created your blog here are two important things to know:

• To add posts: The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the set-up of your blog is accessed online at http://www.blogger.com Be sure to write down your login and password
• To view your blog: Your blog address is http://(xxxx).blogspot.com, (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2. Be sure to also write down your blog address.

If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here are some discovery resources you can use:

• Blogger’s Quick Tutorial

OK -- Now, it’s your turn...

Discovery Exercise:

1. Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger.

2. Add a test post or two. Note: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that is easiest and hardest for you & why.

3. Send your blog URL to Lauren so she can add it to your registration information.

4.. Have fun!!!!

IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself.  Your blog will be linked on the Participant Blogs page so participants can share and learn from one another's blogs.

* Use of Blogger is only a recommendation. If there is another blog hosting site that you are more comfortable with, please feel free to use it.  School librarians may want to take a look at an article from ALA TechSource about blogging platforms for teachers and school librarians .