Daily, I wonder how different my life would have been if, at an
early age, I had the world at the end of my fingers with just a point and click
of a mouse. Now that I do, I use the
internet for everything from getting ideas for meals to hairstyles and
educational resources to planning a vacation.
Generally when people search the world-wide web, they are in search of
information to deepen their knowledge about a concept or subject matter. They will use strategic key words to narrow
their search and attempt to eliminate the need to read through irrelevant
pieces of information. In order to make
information easily accessible and accommodating, web sites should be organized
in a manner that is conducive to use by the target audience. Jurkowski (2006) explains, “A library Web
page for a third grader will be much different than for a high school
student.” With that thought in mind, one
should build a sight that is both inviting and user-friendly for the students
that will be served. If the school or
entity services a wide range of academic levels, “There may have to be
different branch-off points,” (Jurkowski, p. 79). As demonstrated by North Elementary
School’s Web Page, North Elementary Virtual Library, adding links for each
grade level to the home page allows users to access information that is
pertinent to their interests. As I click
on link after link of this school’s virtual library, I found age and grade
level appropriate information. It is
evident that the media specialists take time to consider the audience and to
collaborate with teachers to stay abreast of the curricular goals and learning
objectives. What I found to be a
wonderful component of North’s site is that students throughout the school
district will be able to benefit from accessing the links contained within the
site.
As a patron of a web page, I think the
Home page is like the cover of a book.
If it aesthetically-appealing and lists links to a myriad of additional topics
that are of interest, an individual will stay on the site longer. I also really appreciate the effort the
webmaster makes to keep the site current and test links that they have embedded
into their web pages. It is absolutely
aggravating to click on an embedded link only to receive a message indicating
the link is broken or the website has been removed. My five most important pieces of information
to be placed on a library’s web page respectively include name of media
specialists, email address, phone number, topics of sites and programs
sponsored by the media department, links to virtual library resources and
books, and hours of operation. Jurkowski
(2006) identified “Date website last updated” as the least important feature of
a website. Prior to taking media
courses, I would not have given much consideration to the date a site was
updated; however, now, I understand how analyzing the dates of the updates could
be the difference between receiving the most current information and receiving
information that is outdated. One way to
keep the website updated is to design it to be interactive and allow patrons
permission to post information and relatable links on th pages. Library 2.0 and
Beyond asserts that the library must diverge from one that has a locus of
control governed by the media specialists.
Instead, media specialists “must create mechanisms for patrons to create
their own systems and to contribute content to our systems.“ (p. 10). The media center’s Homepage is a great
location for a wiki link or a blog. These
interactive features will keep audience active participants and frequent
visitors to the web site. In turn, the
webmaster has to frequently monitor the content to ensure that decency is
observed.
If a web page hopes to cut the mustard
and make a blip on my radar, it needs to contain the following.
1. An
eye-pleasing format with readable font.
2. A list
appropriately labeled links to information embedded within site and for
external sites
3. Contact
information and Hours of operation
4. A
virtual library
5. WebQuests
and Pathfinders
6. A list
of media programs
7. Content
Specific links
8. District
mission and vision statement for media centers
9. School Demographics
10. Policy and Procedures (This is homage to the
Policy and Procedure Handbook requirement for Westga.)
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