Mitja Iskrić is blogging since 2004. While studying LIS he started a new blog focusing on student life. After graduation he’s currently not working in a library related environment, but he wants to stay connected with other Slovene librarians and Slovene library development in general. He invited some of his colleagues from the faculty to participate in the project and so they created the Biblioblog in April 2007.
History
Several libraries started their own blogs in 2007. The first was The Digital Library of Slovenia. The blog unfortunately doesn’t have an RSS feed. Digital library of the University of Ljubljana and Revija Knjiznica (the only Slovene Library Journal with peer reviewed articles) followed soon. The Miran Jarc public library in Novo Mesto has its own blog, so does The Central Technological Library at the University of Ljubljana and Celje public library. We have to mention LiLoLe which is promoting lifelong learning but also includes several topics in library profession.
Library blogs are in most cases informing about new additions to the library. The Digital Library of Slovenia blog is publishing mostly personal reflections of the library editors. Blogs of public libraries are publishing a lot of interesting posts about libraries and culture in general, reading suggestions and library events. Revija Knjiznicas blog presents new published articles and is promoting discussion about recent articles. Comments on Slovenian library blogs are unfortunately still very rare and mostly anonymous.
Biblioblog was initially focused on personal thoughts on current situation in library science in Slovenia. Several articles have addressed the problem of the closure of a small public library in Cerkno. Biblioblog publishes articles and comments for all who are interested in the development of library science and librarians, and is informing the public on matters of common interest. The articles are pointing out the importance of highest possible degree of professionalism, the Code of Conduct of Slovenian librarians and Library manifesto on the development of libraries in Slovenian library science. They are focusing on investigating the current situation and development of all types of libraries and are encouraging discussion. The authors are supporting free and equal access to information and are trying to create a positive image of librarians. Biblioblog is growing to become the most prominent library blog in Slovenia, which publishes experts’ opinions and comments of all who are interested in the development of library science in Slovenia and abroad (the most important authors are the Biblioteam, which consists of some brightest and future development prone library students that Slovenia can offer). New site is being built which will offer new services.
The future
Most libraries have websites, but no blogs. We have to mention the presence of libraries on Facebook. You can find Central medical library and The Digital Library of Slovenia. National and University Library and The Central Technological Library at the University of Ljubljana are represented by groups that were created by users.
Optimisation and rationalisation of work of librarians requires web 2.0 as the ideal tool for connecting with the users and finding new users. Libraries in Slovenia apparently do not fully understand the necessity of web related services yet. Now libraries must look where their users are – online on web 2.0 services. Web 2.0 is obviously a great opportunity, but the Slovenian libraries will be successful only when all librarians are able to work in this new environment. The education of librarians in this field is still a major problem (one of Biblioteam’s aim is to provide education courses in this area in the near future.)
Library catalogue is one of the library services which may be enhanced through a combination of web 2.0 services. The leading role of librarians is the art of effective communication and research. Web 2.0 brings the possibility of online research societies. Libraries should be seen in the light of what they offer. With the effective use of web 2.0 services, we can all expect a bright future.
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