While many underfunded libraries lack employees who are proficient with computers, others might be lucky enough to have a staff member with a higher level of technology expertise. If your library employs a person with a wealth of technology knowledge, encourage them to help other libraries by sharing their tips and thoughts in a blog.
Rodney Greensage, an IT consultant who works with 45 libraries in the Alamo Area Library System in southern Texas, started a blog -- dubbed the AALS Techie Corner -- as a quick means of rapidly sharing information with his clients.
We have a newsletter, and I have a column that I do in there," said Greensage. "But the blog allows me to splurge a little more and to go off on a tangent -- so to speak -- if I want to."
In his blog, Greensage has tackled a number of topics, from the latest phishing scams to cutting-edge gadgets. Upon the release of Internet Explorer 7, Greensage tested it out and shared his impressions in his blog, so that libraries could make an informed decision as to whether to download and install the new browser.
"I wanted to download it [Internet Explorer 7] to the virtual PC, test it, find out what it's about, and give information out to the users," said Greensage. " And the blog really allows me to do that in an easier session than it is to send it out through email."
