As part of the 23 Things Activity, I chose to create my own blog. I selected it as an option from the 23 Things Learning 2.0 Program from PLCMC's blog here.
I have some experience with blogs, as I maintained a personal blog for several years through livejournal.com. I also enjoy reading blogs from other people. I enjoy the sense of community involved with sharing blogs, as I feel they bring together people with relevant interests and promote active debate on the issues discussed.
I've never used Blogger before, but so far I enjoy the user interface. It's very simple to add, edit, and delete posts. I like that I am able to change the design of my blog, either by using the pre-made layouts provided by Blogger, or by using html to edit text any way I want. Blogger also includes draft auto-saving, spell-checking, and other useful word processing tools to enhance my writing. I can't wait to explore all the different ways I can personalize my blog.While I prefer a clean look to my blogs, I will add some gadgets to the page I find interesting.
Blogs are very useful for connecting people. For example, if anyone were to follow my blog, I can look at that person's profile and see who else they are following. This creates a sort of global community that would be difficult to maintain otherwise. There are several benefits to the incorporation of blogging into professional practice. I have read several LIS blogs - entries created by librarians and others in the field that provide knowledgeable insight into current issues. Without blogging, one might have to wait for the next peer-reviewed journal to be published. Instead, I can log on to the Internet, select a blog from my Favorites list, and instantly find new entries and comments. I can even post my own comments. I can thank a person for their thoughts or ask questions that the blogger can see posted. LIS blogs will be very useful in the digital age as a way for anyone in the world to get connected and involved.
