Week two is for BLOGGING

Now that you've read how the SPL 2.0 program will work, it's time to set up your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises. For this program, we recommend that you use Blogger *, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use.
Hint, if you are asking yourself "What's a blog? ? ?" visit https://www.blogger.com/start .

Blogger says
“A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.
Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules. In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. Then they comment on it or link to it or email you. Or not. Since Blogger was launched in 1999, blogs have reshaped the web, impacted politics, shaken up journalism, and enabled millions of people to have a voice and connect with others. And we're pretty sure the whole deal is just getting started.”

Creating a blog using

Blogger takes just three steps:
Create an account.

Name your blog. It must be public. You may prefer not to include your personal name in the blog name; all participating staff blogs will be listed on the SPL 2.0 link :

http://spokpl20.blogspot.com.
Let’s encourage each other to read these blogs and post comments to your colleagues.

Debra created her blog [ http://spokanelibrary.blogspot.com/ ] for Staff Day, so that name is taken! Take a look.

Select your template.

Once you've created your blog here are two important things to know:
To add posts: The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the set-up of your blog is accessed online at

http://www.blogger.com/ . Be sure to write down your login and password.
To view your blog: Your blog address is http://xxxx.blogspot.com/ , (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2. Be sure to also write down your blog address.
If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here are some discovery resources you can use:
Blogger tour
Video Blogger tutorial
OK --- Now, it's your turn...

Discovery Exercise:
Each day at work is a new learning experience, especially in a public library! Use the first post in your new blog to explore what is your own individual learning style.
1. Setup a blog for yourself using Blogger.
2. Add a test post or two. Use one of your posts to write about which learning habits from the tutorial are easiest for you, which are hardest and why.
3. Register your blog with Sally [schilson at spl.org] and inform your supervisor of your intention to participate in the program.
4. Have fun! Share your ideas!

To review, WEEK TWO ACTIVITIES are:
Set up your own blog, add your first post, & register for the program.
Get tips for navigating safely online, as posted by Houston Public Library for its IHCPL version of the 2.0 experience.
All activities must be completed by non-exempt staff during in-library, on-duty hours. No overtime will be allowed.
Questions? Please contact your supervisor or a SPL 2.0 committee member.