Professional Development Resources for Librarians: Library Tech Blogs

Library Sparks: Ideas to make your library shine: sharing ideas from around the system and around the country, on programming, fundraising, grants, free stuff, and more.

by Joy Schwarz and "provided by Winnefox Library System as a service to its 30 public libraries" located in Wisconsin

Post categories include:

• Advocacy
• Circulation
• Collaboration
• Marketing
• Programming
• ...and many more

Examples of posts:

• Getting Ready for Teen Tech Week...
• Free Graphics for Displays and Posters
• Celebrate National Gaming Day...

The Ides

Staff at the Winnefox Library System had previously additionally maintained the blog The Ides, but sadly the last post was added in December 2015. For the time being, this blog is nevertheless being included in this guide because it still contains a lot of great information.

Examples of posts:

• Facebook Groups for Librarians -- Connect with Peers Online
• 25 YouTube Tips
• How to Print Extra Large Posters on Your Regular Printer 

Make It @ Your Library

Started by a group of librarians as part of "ILEAD USA, an IMLS grant-funded library program with the intention of helping librarians realize makerspace projects in their communities" 

Examples of posts:

• Kids Solar Water Heater
• Hello World: Building a Simple Circuit with the Othermill
• Making an Electro Card using Bare Paint!
• Arduino Basics: RCtime

Musings about Librarianship

by Aaron Tay, a librarian who works in Singapore and has a background in academic librarianship

Examples of posts:

• 5 Services to Help Researchers Find Free Full Text Instantly & a Quick Assessment of Effectiveness
• Using OpenRefine & Reconciliation Services -- Learning the Ropes
• A Quick Comparison of Online Infographics Makers -- Infogram, Pikochart and Venngage

SimplySTEM: Simple Ideas for S.T.E.M. Programming in Libraries

"This wiki is a place where librarians can share and find complete plans..."

Swiss Army Librarian

by Brian Herzog, a reference librarian at a public library in Massachusetts 

Examples of posts:

• This One Weird Trick Will Increase Library Program Attendance!
• Whose (First) Line Is It Book Display
• Resources for Book Suggesions

TechBits: bits of technology for your library

by staff at South Central Library System, a library system made up of public libraries in Wisconsin

Examples of posts:

• Low-tech Maker Fun
• Test Your Cybersecurity Knowledge
• Cleaning up Your Patron Database: Address Verification Tools