In the article “Best Practices in Library Web Design,” David Walbert explains that in order to build an effective website for the library, it is important to “think like a librarian”. Though we, by nature, think like librarians, I would argue that in fact it’s important to NOT think like a librarian FIRST when designing a library website. In fact, I’d think like someone who HATES a library.
Why? For that, I would refer to Pappas’ article about designing and planning the website. His eight step is: “Don’t Forget to Keep it Simple”. This, I believe is the most important.
I have yet to find a library website I love. I find most of them overwhelming and clogged with information. Even as a future librarian who likes this kind of thing, I dreaded having to explore the library website at my university. I do it. But I don’t like it. Occasionally, I’ll find myself at home in the website. I’ve found what I’m looking for and am free to roam and explore and research; however, it usually takes me a while to get there. The learning curve can be obstructive.
I would like to create a website that begins very simply and asks the visitor a simple question: What do you want to do? From there, the link could direct you to find a book, research, or “other”. Then it could go further into the website by asking another simple question: “What research would you like?” (books, databases, etc…).
There should also be simple instructions for each page that are clear, use basic language, and are easily found. If the question weren’t listed, then there would be a simple answer as-to where to look next for an answer. This would teach visitors to be independent thinkers and pro-active researchers.
It’s important for people to not be intimidated by all of the information on a library’s website. By nature, a library website will have tons of information. The trick is finding out how to make it look simple, while still including all of the links to resources that are, by nature, available. In thinking like someone who dreads having to research anything or visit a library website at all, it will force the librarians to think outside the box and make the information unintimidating and easily accessible.
Resources
Pappas, P. (2000). Design your website from the bottom up. Retrieved from http://peterpappas.blogs.com/files/design-website-bottom-up.pdf
Walbert, David. Best practices in school library website design. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/969
Why? For that, I would refer to Pappas’ article about designing and planning the website. His eight step is: “Don’t Forget to Keep it Simple”. This, I believe is the most important.
I have yet to find a library website I love. I find most of them overwhelming and clogged with information. Even as a future librarian who likes this kind of thing, I dreaded having to explore the library website at my university. I do it. But I don’t like it. Occasionally, I’ll find myself at home in the website. I’ve found what I’m looking for and am free to roam and explore and research; however, it usually takes me a while to get there. The learning curve can be obstructive.
I would like to create a website that begins very simply and asks the visitor a simple question: What do you want to do? From there, the link could direct you to find a book, research, or “other”. Then it could go further into the website by asking another simple question: “What research would you like?” (books, databases, etc…).
There should also be simple instructions for each page that are clear, use basic language, and are easily found. If the question weren’t listed, then there would be a simple answer as-to where to look next for an answer. This would teach visitors to be independent thinkers and pro-active researchers.
It’s important for people to not be intimidated by all of the information on a library’s website. By nature, a library website will have tons of information. The trick is finding out how to make it look simple, while still including all of the links to resources that are, by nature, available. In thinking like someone who dreads having to research anything or visit a library website at all, it will force the librarians to think outside the box and make the information unintimidating and easily accessible.
Resources
Pappas, P. (2000). Design your website from the bottom up. Retrieved from http://peterpappas.blogs.com/files/design-website-bottom-up.pdf
Walbert, David. Best practices in school library website design. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/969