A c t i o n f o r L i b r a r i e s — A u g u s t 2 0 0 1

The Internet Connection

By Michael Sauers

Anything Missing from Your Library's Web Site?
Each time I visit a new library Web site, whether searching for information about the library or just because of professional interest, I look for certain elements. These basic components characterize a Web site that not only provides the information patrons want, but makes it easy for them to find what they need.

Here are elements that should be incorporated into your library's Web site and why they are important.

A Consistent Design Each department may want its own look and feel for its section of the Web site, but this must be done without confusing the user. Libraries that allow each department to come up with its own design are ultimately failing the user. Every department should have input, but the overall site design should be consistent enough to make it obvious to users that they are still in the library's site without having to double-check the URL.

The Library's Address This seems obvious, but all too often Web sites do not include a street address. In many cases, libraries that leave this out are small public libraries in towns where everyone who lives there knows where the library is located. Unfortunately, this does not help the person from out of town who may want to visit the library.

A Staff Directory It may not be necessary to list every clerk or library assistant in the entire library district, but department heads and the director at least should be included. This allows persons who know they need to talk to the head of reference to find that person's name (at a minimum) before making the call.

Links to Resources Most reference librarians have spent time finding good, free online resources to answer patrons' questions. Unfortunately, storing these links as bookmarks does not help the patron who is not at the reference desk. Create a page or two in your Web site that provides annotated links to the sites that you've found helpful. Your patrons can more easily take advantage of all your hard work and research.

Detailed Descriptions of On-site Resources Many sites provide statements similar to, "We have many online and CD-ROM databases available in the library." However, this does not tell the user specifically what databases and information are actually available. Take a few minutes to list, in detail, those resources and be sure to include information about the kinds of information the resources contain. In many cases, the producers of the resources have prepared text they will gladly provide for you to use to promote their products, saving you the time needed to write your own material.

Take a few minutes to see if these are included in your Web site. If not, ask yourself, "Would including this information help my patrons?" Chances are, the answer is yes.

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