Saturday, June 13, 2015

Blogs, Tumblr & Blog Readers

A blog reader is a new concept for me. I realize that I am a bit late to the game in that regard, but it’s never too late! I have found that they are very useful and such a time saver. I had followed blogs previously through Twitter. Many leaders in the library field Tweet their blog and Tumblr posts, so I would access them that way. So now that I have been enlightened, I see that having a blog reader is a convenient tool in order to collect and browses some of my favorite blogs all in one location. There are quite a few blog readers available, so after exploring a few I decide to use Feedly.

Feedly is very simple to set up and is easy to use. It provides a search option front and center, which allows for quick access. You can search specific blog titles, URLs and topics of interest to find what you are looking for. Under the search bar are tiles called “Starter Kits”. The tiles are popular topics people search. So if you click on the education tile, it will display blogs relating to that topic and also provides links to further refine your search within the chosen topic. I also like the design of the menu located on the left side of the site. It gives easy access to your blog collections, account preferences and support if needed

Tumblr is also a great tool. It is easy to set up and use. It is another way to stay connected to others in the library and educational technology field. I have found while following other educators, that most posts are short and to the point. They post photos and videos with a quick comment, quotes, infographics etc.

Here is the link to my Tumblr I just set up!



Here are a few of my favorite blogs:
Name of Blog
URL
Why I Follow

Karin’s Book Nook

·      Posts all about YA lit (reviews, what’s hot & reader’s advisory)
·      Is my go-to for what to read next in YA lit


The Daring Librarian


·      Posts info, photos & videos of her student centered library
·      I follow her because is a teacher librarian, maker space & tech leader


Watch. Connect. Read.


·      Posts a constant stream of books reviews and trailers
·      Is my go-to for what to read next in children’s literature


The Unpretentious Librarian


·      Posts to share her ideas, creations & projects to collaborate with others
·      The blog offers great resources to use in my future library



Technology is Loose in the Library!!



·      Posts to share students' active involvement with books and technology in the library
·      This blog is a great place to gain top-notch student-centered technology infused ideas

3 comments:

  1. I really love The Daring Librarian too. I have been following her blog for a while. I can't wait to check out the other blogs you have mentioned!

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  2. Beautiful! It was easy to see which blogs offered what types of information. This was thoughtfully laid out!

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  3. I love "Karin's Book Blog." She's my other professor and I didn't know she had this book blog. I love it. I also like how you chose to present the different blogs. Great idea! Thank you for sharing.

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