Blog -- Abby the Librarian

Title: Abby the Librarian

Author: Abby Johnson, children's librarian at New Albany-Floyd County Public Library in New Albany, IN

Date: created in 2007


Host: Google Blogger

Format: Online blog

Summary: This blog is written by a children's librarian and includes book reviews, library activities such as scavenger hunts and storytime outlines, and advice for current and potential library students and librarians. The blog is organized and updated regularly providing a variety of information on all aspects of working with children in a library setting. The site also provides links to outside resources such as the ALA website, Kidlitosphere blogs, and Goodreads.

Audience: The audience for this blog is children's librarians, mainly in public libraries but can also be useful for school librarians, library students, and potential library students.

Strengths: The strength of this blog comes from the amount of content it features. There is a wide variety of material that is easy to find and written by someone who is working in a library, in the trenches so to speak, and therefore has the experience and personal knowledge to support her posts. She provides information for people considering becoming a librarian, such as "A day in the life of a children's librarian" and information on library school. The content of the site focuses on a variety of activities, topics and reading materials that allow users to see what others in the field are doing ion order to improve their own services.

Weaknesses: This is a well-kept and executed blog that does not seem to have any major weaknesses. The author provides detailed background information on herself and links to outside sites when appropriate, increasing the site's credibility. Posts are made regularly and are relevant to current issues and events. All of the links work and contact information is provided for readers to be able to get in touch with the owner of the site.

Uses: This blog would be useful to children's librarians looking for information on programming and activities or book reviews and recommendations. It also provides useful information for people who are considering librarianship as a career path. Parents looking for reading materials for their child could also refer to this blog for recommendations and reviews.