The Benefit of JavaScript and Blogs

The use of JavaScript, a client-side programming language, is often employed for purposes of confirming that the correct format is used in forms. Similarly, it can even automatically insert information into categories based on data that were entered by the user in other categories. This can save time in the submission process because the data do not have to go all the way to the database on the server and then back before the user can confirm that the data were inserted incorrectly. This also saves the user time by reducing the number of keystrokes needed to fully complete a form.

JavaScript can also determine when certain aspects of a page are displayed, such as background. A creative use of this feature could be that the page changes its background to a unique style for every month of the year. Pop-up info is useful in some situations, and can be initiated with JavaScript.

The lead analyst for new technology at InfoWorld has created a library-related program with the use of JavaScript. This program, called LibraryLookUp, performs an extraction process of ISBNs from the Web pages of booksellers and determines whether or not the library contains the book. The outcome is displayed in a pop-up window. The reverse of this action is also available as a function of the program. The ISBNs of the library’s Web site can be compared to online booksellers. This is useful in the event that a library does not contain an item or the item is heavily reserved, because the user will be informed of booksellers such as Amazon that have the book available for purchase.

Programming languages on the server-side, such as CGI, can be used to place interactive event calendars on Web pages. Some libraries offer real-time online chat support for patrons with questions. With the use of CGI, Web pages can be enhanced with chat capabilities for the purpose of assisting online library visitors. Other online chat formats have recently become popular instruments for communication.

In years past, instant messaging (IM) was observed as a tool used by teenagers to socialize online. This gadget has become a prominent component of communication in many companies. Blogs have followed this same route in becoming a great tool for commercial purposes. Blogs have typically been associated with non-commercial enjoyment such as daily diaries; but, this tool is increasingly used on commercial sites for business communication in the form of newsletters and product alerts for employees and customers.

Today, blogs are used for communicating ideas in a variety of environments. Many users consider it to be a low-cost way of improving communication. The users of blogs do not need to know HTML, which is one great benefit of its use, and a primary reason for its popularity. Sometimes those that do business with the company are interested in news or events related to the company, and they can partake in blogs associated with that company.

A blog is a great tool for communicating with other workers from other shifts, and from other buildings within the same workplace. In many cases, business Weblogs are superior to e-mail for intra-office communication. Rather than having all workers check their individual e-mails regularly regarding new concerns, frequently asked questions, or important updates, one message could be sent to one place, from which everyone could read and contribute. In the context of the library, rather than keeping multiple notebooks about different issues, as libraries typically do, blogs offer a compilation of inputs in one location without the problem of trying to decipher sloppy handwriting. Notebooks are not easy to search through, nor do they withstand physical damage. In addition, rather than scribbling lengthy Web addresses, a URL can be marked up automatically with a link. A convenient feature of most Weblog programs is that old posts are automatically archived for easy access. This helps to keep the main blog page organized by cleaning up and storing old information elsewhere. Another useful feature of blogs is spell check, which is offered in some Weblog programs.

Another potential use for blogs in libraries is for relaying news related to a specific library, or library issues in general. In traditional cases, the person who updated library Web pages was the library’s Webmaster. His or her absence, however, would interfere with the need for constantly updating the site’s information. With blogs, any number of selected employees could be given update access regardless of whether or not they can write HTML. Restrictions, of course, can be placed on functions of the blog environment to restrict entry to certain customers or employees.

There is no doubt that blogs are useful in library environments. The only question is which software the library should choose. Blogs do not impact library budgets because two of the biggest Weblog software distributors (www.blogger.com and www.blogspot.com) provide free access. These programs have advertisements displayed at the top of the pages; but, those can be disabled at $10 per year. MovableType and Radio Userland are two Weblog software programs that are competing in the Weblog software market. Radio Userland is $39 per year and MovableType is free. Just like blogger.com and blogspot.com, Radio Userland gives the option of whether or not the program resides on one’s own server but does not, however, come with an integrated search engine. MovableType requires that the user place the program on his or her own server, and it comes with an integrated search engine. Many Weblog programs exist, but the ones that are free are still sufficient in meeting the needs of a library.

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