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 messages
• Simplify your writing so that it is succinct and understandable
• Structure your written content so that it is most usable and accessible to your audience
• Approach different forms of writing in a way that is most effective to getting your message across
• Establish a voice and tone that reflects the identity of your organization and yourself as a professional

The book covers writing for both print and Web-based publications and is aimed at all types of libraries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442278851
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/05/2017
Series:	Practical Guides for Librarians , #30
Pages:	178
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)

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 Content Chapter 14. Refining Your Process Index 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

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