Carnival Article in Public Libraries

I just finished reading Steven M. Cohen's article in the May/June 2006 issue of Public Libraries.

The background info on how Greg of Open Stacks got the idea and got the project off the ground was good.

Beyond the link love and hosting (although a carnival does need hosts* to succeed) I think some things were left out, this article focused so heavily on the writing of the posts, and carnival submissions, and didn't focus much on the benefits of reading the carnival!

I will acknowledge that I'm sure Steven was limited on space or word count.

Steven-- do you only discover new blogs when you've hosted? I've found lots just by reading the carnival! Carnival is a great way to find the other library bloggers, especially for people who don't know where to find library related blogs.
I wonder if we did a survey and asked co-workers to name 5 library related blogs or bloggers... could they?

Remember the audience. Michael Stephen's SirsiDynix Institute sessions a few months ago (Feb 15, 2006 available in the archive at http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/archive.php) had surveys that indicated many many people in the library world are not bloggers.

Could they benefit from a weekly digest of topical content in one place? Sure they could!
Would reading blogs get them more comfortable (since trying new technology is often about user comfort and confidence) with possibly posting a comment or starting their own blog or otherwise joining in the conversation? Sure it could!
Some people aren't ready to jump into the sandbox and start building castles immediately!

It can also be a great way to demo what can be done with blogs!
Collaborate, communicate, share.

Tight on time? Read Carnival of the Infosciences to catch up on the discussion in the past week.


Did you read the article in Public Libraries? Agree or disagree? Comments are open!