Media
Center Websites
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Why
would a library need a website? Would people go to it if there is one? Why
would they go to a library website? What should the website be able to do? How
should it service its patrons? Who will maintain and keep it current? All of
these questions arise when it comes to thinking about the role a media center
website will play in the life of the media center and the broader school
community.
The
first question of why have a website lends itself to the media center having a
presence on the web and sharing its important place in the school community. If
the media center did not have one, what would that say of the center’s
importance to the school and greater community. Also, the issue of immediate
update of information is of importance to the media center. The website needs
to always be promoted to the broader community.
What
are people looking for on a library website? The answer is usually parents or
students need to answer some questions. They can range from library hours to
current events at school. Sometimes people stumble upon the media center
website via the school website because there is a page dedicated to this part
of the school. Once someone visits, what would make them come back? Much
thought needs to go into planning the media center website, so that it can become
a hub of activity outside of the classroom. The things to consider are: design,
organization, color, usability, etc.
The
website should be exciting and interactive! The site should provide numerous
sources through hyperlinks to other websites and databases. The website can
link the community together. The students, teachers, parents and the local
community can have a place where information comes together and is shared.
Unfortunately, many media center websites that I have looked at are buried in
the school website, static, boring and no more than a list of links.
I
had a thought of making a virtual online librarian. As I thought about it and
did research two websites would allow this thought to become a reality. Sitepal.com and Voki.com allows for the creation of talking avatars(Click on the avatar above).
This would allow someone to speak to patrons as they hit the website.and guide
them just as though they visited the library. How awesome would that be?
I
believe websites should make the media specialists job much easier, even though
it requires up keep. Approximately, 76% of librarians maintain their own sites,
which requires knowledge of the internet and designing websites. Consider the
audience because the work you put into it is what you will get out of it.
Here are two examples of media center websites, they
just need to be livened up:
Sheila thank you for introducing me to Voki! I love it. I agree that it is an excellent way to liven up a website. I visited both of the school website that you linked in the blog and they both were a drab and quite boring. I would imagine that if the library from either one of those schools used a Voki, someone could actually think about visiting the site for a second time. I think that something other than the library hours should be the main focal point of the media centers website. I also think that it is crucial that we put information on out sites for parents, teachers and of course the students. I saw on Rex Middle Schools website that they had a separate log in for teachers. That is awesome that the teachers have a dedicated place just for teacher resources.
ReplyDeleteMedia center websites are such an important tool that media specialists can use to reach their patrons. I know that there are so many other responsibilities that media specialists have, but the media center website is not one that you can afford to neglect. I agree that a non-existent, boring, or useless website could reflect how people view the media specialist and media center. Our media center website at our school is okay. We have the basics: a picture of the media specialist and clerk as well as info about Accelerated Reader quizzes and how to earn dog tags. There is also information about how to purchase a yearbook and pictures from Read Across America Day 2011. However, there are many, many things that could be added to make our school media center website phenomenal. I would love to see a link to the OPAC for starters. That way parents and students could explore what books are available for check out from home and actually be able to spend time exploring the collection. I have noticed that children seem somewhat rushed when they come in the library. They come in, quickly select a book, and then have to get back to their classroom. They are not rushed by the media specialist, but I think the overall schedule is very busy. I think that having the media center hours posted would also be helpful. It would be nice to have some information available such as the mission statement and various policies and procedures too.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the idea of an interactive avatar on a media center website. The avatar you had at the top of your post was awesome! Kids and parents would love it!!! This is an idea that I had never thought of before! Of course, when creating a website you might have to start small with the basics and try to add something new each week or every couple of weeks. An attractive and exciting media center webpage is also a great way to advocate for the media center. You want to let people know all the cool things that are going on and the internet is a great way to reach a large audience!
I agree that the web page is a great way to advocate for your program. It is very much a reflection of how your media center is viewed as a part of the whole school. As a society we are so quick to say "I will just look that up on the internet". When someone goes to find informatrion about my media center I want it to be easy to access and user friendly and I want them to say "that was cool" and share it with all of their friends. I think using the interactive avatar would be a great way to liven up your web page. I can't wait to try it. I might try to add one to my music web page that I have at my school now.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of my media center web page being the hub of activity outside of the classroom. If patrons enjoy visiting and using the tools on the web page in our virtual library setting they are more likely to come into the meida center to see what is going on in the real world as well.