Writing Effectively in Print and on the Web: A Practical Guide for Librarians

by Rebecca Blakiston

Overview

The written word is our primary tool for communication – with colleagues, administrators, stakeholders, and users. Poor use of words can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.
Writing effectively will help you be a stronger colleague, manager, and librarian.

In this book, you will learn how to:

Define your audience and your primary messagesSimplify your writing so that it is succinct and understandableStructure your written content so that it is most usable and accessible to your audienceApproach different forms of writing in a way that is most effective to getting your message acrossEstablish a voice and tone that reflects the identity of your organization and yourself as a professionalThe book covers writing for both print and Web-based publications and is aimed at all types of libraries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442278868
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	01/05/2017
Series:	Practical Guides for Librarians , #30
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	178
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Rebecca Blakiston is a user experience librarian at the University of Arizona Libraries. As of 2016, she leads a web team dedicated to improving the user experience through better content, design, and architecture. For six years prior, she provided oversight, management, and strategic planning for the library website as website product manager.

Table of Contents

Dedication
List of Tables
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Why Good Writing Matters
Chapter 2. Knowing Your Readers
Chapter 3. Defining Your Message and Purpose
Chapter 4. Keeping It Simple
Chapter 5. Using Authentic and Active Voice
Chapter 6. Writing Titles and Headings
Chapter 7. Using Lists and Tables
Chapter 8. Writing Information and Instructions
Chapter 9. Writing Forms
Chapter 10. Writing for the Web
Chapter 11. Writing for Emails and Other Messaging Systems
Chapter 12. Implementing Voice and Tone
Chapter 13. Formatting Your ContentChapter 14. Refining Your ProcessIndex
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

One thing I didn’t learn in library school was this - librarians are writers. We write a LOT. I’ve written articles, blog posts, website language, signage, instructions and tip sheets, directions, RFPs, and white papers for the Board of Trustees. And email. Lots and lots of email! This book is packed with practical ways to improve your writing, no matter where that writing appears.” —David Lee King, Digital Services Director, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, Kansas, and publisher at davidleeking.com

“Writing Effectively In Print and on the Web: A Practical Guide for Librarians lives up to its name – this concise, readable book makes the case for why good writing matters. Rebecca Blakiston has put together a practical manual filled with thoughtful observations and tips you can put to use immediately to write more effectively. This book should be required reading for every librarian!” —Courtney Greene McDonald, Head, Discovery & Research Services, Indiana University Libraries

“Writing Effectively in Print and on the Web presents recommended writing practices for success in both print and web-based mediums and is a recommended resource for librarians, both new and experienced, who want to improve their writing and offer engaging content for their readers. Even though this guide was written specifically for librarians and information professionals, it would serve as a valuable resource for anyone who is seeking to improve their writing across print and online platforms.” —Technical Services Quarterly

From the Publisher

One thing I didn’t learn in library school was this - librarians are writers. We write a LOT. I’ve written articles, blog posts, website language, signage, instructions and tip sheets, directions, RFPs, and white papers for the Board of Trustees. And email. Lots and lots of email! This book is packed with practical ways to improve your writing, no matter where that writing appears.

David Lee King

Writing Effectively in Print and on the Web presents recommended writing practices for success in both print and web-based mediums and is a recommended resource for librarians, both new and experienced, who want to improve their writing and offer engaging content for their readers. Even though this guide was written specifically for librarians and information professionals, it would serve as a valuable resource for anyone who is seeking to improve their writing across print and online platforms.

Technical Services Quarterly

Writing Effectively In Print and on the Web: A Practical Guide for Librarians lives up to its name – this concise, readable book makes the case for why good writing matters. Rebecca Blakiston has put together a practical manual filled with thoughtful observations and tips you can put to use immediately to write more effectively. This book should be required reading for every librarian!

Courtney Greene McDonald