Blogs' popularity is reaching librarians
The Harold B. Lee Library is running its new Juvenile Literature blog, created to support social science students and faculty.
The blog updates students and faculty about upcoming literature events, recommended Web sites and new books and sources in social science.
Juvenile literature librarians are still arranging materials for students to get easier access to information.
"We tried to make it very user-friendly and provide information that is immediately helpful in doing assignments," said Marsha D. Broadway, juvenile literature librarian. "Our subject matter lends itself to a friendlier and less scholarly approach."
A helpful section for students in the new blog is "Homework Helper," said Larysa Bordner, an elementary education student from Suwanee, Ga.
"Homework Helpers make finding books and materials for assignments quick and efficient," Bordner said. "I wish more professors would ask for Homework Helpers for their assignments."
Professors that teach social science classes have been some of the first ones to try Homework Helper.
Broadway said she is looking forward to having more professors let her know what upcoming assignments require the use of juvenile literature to develop new sections in the Homework Helper category.
The blog can be accessed from the Harold B. Lee Library home page by clicking on "Find Articles," then "Find Database by Subject," then the Juvenile Literature Blog.
"Face Your Manga" is one of the posted recommendations with most popularity among children, Broadway said. It is a Japanese genre of cartoons, comic books and animated films.
Juvenile literature librarians are currently working on a new blog for parents, called "Family and Literacy." The upcoming blog is looking to build literacy.
Blogs have become popular in the library for some time, said Rachel Wadham, an education librarian.
Wadham said blogs make it possible for information to be placed on the Web in a timely manner. They also provide an avenue for students to access all the resources that are available in the library, she said.
Juvenile literature librarians are not the only ones who are blogging. Other library blogs include management, economics and government information, which was the first blog produced in the library, and education.
MEGI was awarded nationally by The American Library Association as the blog that best reflects knowledge in public relations and marketing.
Copyright Brigham Young University 28 Oct 2008
