Designing effective library websites- module 3 continued.

Mathews, B. (2009). Web design matters: Ten essentials for any library site. Library Journal, (15 February). Retrieved from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6634712.html?industryid=47126

This was the first reading set for us on the topic of designing library websites. In it we are told to be aware of the message that the library website sends about the library. People also tend to judge a website on its homepage, so make sure that it looks great.

They suggested 10 places to start in improving a website.

1. Promotion. Give people a reason to come back.
2. Segmentation. Consider developing separate content for the different patron groups.
3. Visual cues. Use icons to break up the text.
   
4. Inspiring photos. Incorporate photos to highlight the areas of interest, eg. the computers, quiet spaces.
5. Search boxes. Embed a search box on every page.
6. Mobile-friendly pages. Think if the images can transfer to a small scale screen. eg. iPhone.
7. Feedback. Show the community that the library listens and responds by enabling feedback on the site.
8. Redundancy. Help patrons by providing them with numerous ways to find things.
9. Analytics. Install Google Analytics to determine how the site is being used. It's free.
10. An easy way to ask for help. Make it as easy as possible for patrons to ask for help.

Lazaris, L. (2009). Designing websites for kids: Trends and best practices, Smashing Magazine, (27 November). Retrieved from http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/11/27/designing-websites-for-kids-trends-and-best-practices/

 

This article  showcased a number of popular commercial websites targeted towards children and analysed trends, elements, and techniques that were used to help keep children interested and stimulated.
  
Designs that stimulate the senses.

1. Bright vivid colours are used.
2. A happy mood is portrayed.
3. Elements from nature are used.

Larger than life design.

1.  Animated characters.
2. Depth in design.
3. Navigation and call-to-action areas that stand out.

User interaction.

1. Interaction through animation and sound.
2. Interaction through video.
3. Interaction through games.
4. Printable elements.

Unconventional methods.

1. Changing the cursor.
2. Talking navigation.
3. Breaking the grid.

Taking Responsibility.

1. Promoting Education.
2. Information for parents.

Usability testing.


I would like to add that as a parent of 3 children I have noticed that the most popular websites are those that are linked to a favourite television show or toy, for example Hannah Montana. Surely this is an aspect that would factor in to website creation.

The third article that we had to read was:

McBurnie, J. (2007). Your online identity: Key to marketing and being found. FUMSI, (October). Retrieved from http://web.fumsi.com/go/article/share/2510

This article focuses on being a viable online identity. It also discusses building an online identity by using social networking tools.
It was quite an informative article that would be particularly useful for the local public library.




While all three articles were informative, the second article was the most useful to me as I work in a primary school library and all of the points raised can easily be used when building a library website at school.