Media Center Webpages are very
informational not only to the students, staff and administration but also to
the parents and public. Having a Media
Center webpage that is updated and easy to access almost guarantees knowledge
will be shared and received in a positive manner. With technology being so prevalent in our
educational system and personal lives today convenience is a key element. “Maintaining a school library website in
order to present information and organize links has become an expectation of the
job just as common as maintaining a book collection with an online
catalog. The library website is the
point of access to electronic resources the library subscribes to or owns; the
way to find print resources, and a place to share news, information, policies,
and other documents” (Jurkowski, 2006, p. 75).
Our media centers should be
considered a small business and our students and staff the customers. Considering the number of cutbacks, job
misplacements and furloughs we want to promote the business of Media and make
it grow. There is a lot of potential
nowadays, so knowing how to capitalize on it and utilize it is advantageous for
education.
Our viewers today can access our
web pages from their desktops and laptops, smartphones and tablets. Because of this, it’s imperative that the
page does what it’s meant to do. To
build a usable website for the school library, we must think in two different
ways. The first way to think is like a
librarian. Think back on what our
viewers need and how this page can service them. Next, even though you may not be one, think
like a web designer. There are numerous
amounts of software available from novice to expert, just find whatever you can
work with and do the best you can. As
time prevails, things will become easier and your page will become more
inviting. The website should be thought
of as an extension to the brick and mortar building we work and use already.
I
have included some things that the webpage should and should not do . . .
- v First and foremost, appearance is everything. The webpage should appear professional. We all know what we see forms that first impression. It’s like wanting to explore something just because it looks good. Advertisement can make or break a product. Just think about the amount of money consumers put out just to get 30 seconds from this past super bowl. I heard the going price was 4.3 million dollars. Of course we don’t need that kind of publicity, but the more hits, the better.
- v Next, having a Domain Name that is private or consistent with the educational system you’re working for is important. It allows for trustworthiness and stability. It can be easily identified and memorized.
- v Once the page is accessed having pertinent information upfront would be nice. It should contain the Schools name and logo. As well as the address and hours of operation. Listing the Media staff would be helpful along with contact phone numbers of the school and library center. Do not include a search index for simple things like this. Many users already get frustrated with the amount of clicking they’re required to do. Think of yourself and how you’d like to get where you’re going. Sometimes you want to take the scenic route, others, you just want to get to the destination as soon as possible.
- v Have the mission, goal or purpose of your webpage posted somewhere up front. Those who visit the page want to know what they’re getting before they delve into all the links you may have.
- v Through images and/or descriptions there should be no doubt what this page is about. However it’s not a good idea to use images to display text. Remember that images take longer to download, which can in turn deter the users. Bear in mind also that there are visually impaired patrons that will be using the site as well.
- v Assure that your links actually go where they are intended too. Having the ability to navigate back and forth is wonderful. There should be no thought of where am I, and where am I going. Outbound links can help improve the users search engine results, while inbound links are more resourceful.
- v Finally, use smart navigation to help viewers find what they need.
This
is far from being everything
a Media Specialist needs to make the webpage.
It’s just a simple, yet limited set of ideas I think are important for
the content. With research, determination
and time one can really make a page that’s resourceful for every visitor. Web
pages can be assessed in popular web browsers like Internet Explorer, Google
Chrome, Firefox, Safari and many others.
David Warlick in his article Building Web Sites That Work for Your Media
Center states the primary goal of having a web site is to provide valuable
information to teachers and students.
References
Jurkowski, O. L. (2010). Technology and the
school library: A comprehensive guide for media specialists and other
educators. Revised ed. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
Warlick,
D. (2005). Building web sites that work for your media center. Retrieved January 28, 2015 from http://aasl.metapress.com/content/gk552k173l82j1l0/
You wrote several analogies that I absolutely loved. I appreciate that you compared the media center to a business with the students and teachers as the customers. The number one goal should be friendly and speedy customer service. Both can be accomplished in a virtual means. It is also important, as you noted, that we remember what we prefer in a website. We do not want to sit and wait as something downloads. We do not want to have to sort through an index or click through nine links in order to get something that should have been on the home page. Also, you made a great reference to the website as our publicity. While we do not have Super Bowl dollars to spend, we certainly should treat the site as a way to market the program to those inside and outside the school. Local community members may never set foot inside the media center, but an attractive and efficient website may allow them to do so in an effective manner. Finally, it is important to create valuable content on the information so patrons feel they have a use for the website. This may include YouTube tutorials or book reviews or a link to an outside resource. In order to create a successful business, the marketing is key. To create a successful media center program, the website is the avenue for a successful marketing plan which guarantees a successful program.
ReplyDeleteWendy,
ReplyDeleteI really like what you have said about putting together a webpage for the media center. The essentials you listed are a great start. I think we often forget that many media specialists do not come from a technology background, so information like this is very helpful to all. One thing that your post caused me to think about is font and color. I think many people like to try fancy fonts to make their pages look more appealing. However, in my experience I have found that the more curls in the font, the harder it is to read. I also find it difficult to read sites that have bright colored font or backgrounds. Finally, I feel it is important not to flood the site with links and images. Keep things simple so that people can pinpoint information quickly. When will the book fair be? What reading program do we use - AR or Lexile? What do I do if I want to volunteer in the SLMC? These questions should be easily answered with minimal clicking. I completely agree with you - less clicks is best!
Thank you,
Meghen
I like how you gave an overview of what a Media Center Web Page should or should not contain. There are many web pages that have information that is inadequate and difficult to navigate and do not give the true picture of the school atmosphere. Some of the web pages that I visited left me asking questions about the effectiveness of the school. The media center web page is the first impression of the school on line so it should highlight all the good qualities of the school. It should contain a user friendly atmosphere that represents the school through design representation. It should be easy for the user to navigate and find useful information.
ReplyDeleteIn my school the media specialist is constantly updating information so that it reflects the current information of the school. The viewers are informed of the latest events of the school. Information including school contact, staff emails, student assignments, different types of testing schedules, programs, sporting events, special recognition, electronic resources and other activities. Most of the events contain school population pictures so the viewers can see how everyone is involved in the different events. As a student, parent, staff member, community member, and browser one can access the media center web page and know what is happening in the school. The media specialist has to make sure that his school shines in the public and is known for providing current information to it patrons. The media web page does serve as a real business that pleases its customers.
You are right that a library’s web page provides information to teachers, students, staff, administration, but also to parents and the public. That’s why librarians need to make sure that they keep their web sites up to date. As I was looking through different sites, I came across one that had information from 2013. Well I’m sure that information was useful in 2013 but not very useful in 2015. From the public’s point of view, it makes a librarian look lazy when they have a webpage with outdated information. It would be better to get rid of the webpage than to have outdated information. I think those new to the web page design, like myself, should start simple. Play around with a few free and easy sites for starting and designing your own web page. Gradually add to it as you become comfortable. Start with the basic information of who is the librarian and staff, phone number and email address, mission statement, pictures of the library, and book information and add to that each week, two weeks, or month. Personally for me, I need to see what I’m doing. I would recommend using another computer and view your website to see what it looks like. I would do this by myself and with someone. Many times four eyes are better than two. Someone else could point out problems or issues that you might not notice.
ReplyDeleteResponse # 3 by Melissa Gooch
ReplyDeleteresponding to: TEAM 4 Student: Wendy Brinson "Media Center Web Pages . . . Not a replacement, just another resource"
Wendy makes a great point about how webpages are the information port for your audiences, knowing your audience and your budget are probably the most important points! In any presentation material, websites, flyers, newsletters, announcements, presentations, etc. you must know your target audience and how best to deliver the information to them specifically.
In any presentation material, websites, flyers, newsletters, announcements, presentations, etc. you must know your target audience and how best to deliver the information to them specifically.
Web page design is like an effective power point presentation, it is simple and users have a clear understanding of the topic and content being presented. You should present the most important message first at the top of your site. I concur with the listing of do’s and don’ts especially on appearance. Like I mentioned earlier, your website is that first point of contact for most of your patrons, parents, students, etc. so the delivery method and appearance should be tailored to meet those needs and your overall big picture goals of your media program.
SLMS could always tie the look and feel of your site to the school’s main page or the districts page for consistency across the system, much like how corporations design their unified pages. Most importantly, update and update often! There is nothing more frustrating, besides text and pictures jumping off pages and not being aligned, than old out dated content displayed on a website. Designers also need to keep in mind how the pages will look on other electronic devices such as tablets and mobile phones, as more and more users use these devices to access the world wide web ☺.