Website Assignment 1

Having taken a look at the articles related to designing library websites, I shall now provide my five methods on how I would design such a website.

1. Keep it simple

I would most certainly agree to the principle of keeping the website's layout as simple and organized as possible. Without making it overly complex for patrons to access. Fonts, background colors and formats should be easy to read without being distracting to the patron (Though avoid comic sans), information on the library, including reference and contact information, would be best shown in text rather then using graphics. And information to contact library staff and other miscellaneous details like the library's mission statement should be presented in a clear and prominent format. In short, the layout of the website should emphasize information instead of visuals.

2. Accurate accessibility

I would ensure all links to the various web resources on the site lead the patron to where they want to go without unexpectedly opening a window to another site or unrelated page. Links that lead to files such as PDF should include a warning that the patron will require a plug-in. I would recommend links to sites and resources be formatted by bold or underlined text rather then color to avoid confusion with patrons who may be colorblind, in adherence to the first method above. Finally, it is important to keep in mind that websites are a visual interface, for blind or visually impaired students and patrons, including apps like audio browsers would be essential.

3. Keep the userbase demographic in mind

When designing a school-related website, it is important to know what type of audience this site is meant. If say one is designing the site for high school-level students, then using formats such as images would probably not need to rely on images to convey information when simple text will do, whereas middle and elementary-level students would be more likely to respond to visual clues. Depending on which school library I am working for, I would bear this in mind while maintaining the principle of keeping the information simple and consistent.

4. Blog

I maintain that blogs are a very useful tool for use in the educational process that has yet to be fully explored. Using a blog, I would use it for posting information related to events such as Banned Book Week or Black History Month, information on library policy, special collections, inquiries as to the state of the library and other miscellaneous information. A blog would be very simple to use, and it would be open for both teachers and students to provide feedback or insights. Such information would be collated for future use such as purchasing new books and items to add to the curriculum.

5. Content, Content, and more Content.

Ultimately, there is not much to a school library website if there isn't a suitable amount of content. I would strive to include as much content as possible: Reference links, librarian contact info, schedule, item search engine, links to databases, etc. All the while presenting it in an accessible format suited to the grade level of the student.

If anyone has thoughts to share, feel free!