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Eisenhower Library Redesigned website in 2012
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Feedback from patrons mentioned that the site
was unacceptable, not friendly, so the library decided to revamp website from
ground up.
Tips when revamping a library website:
- Interview multiple developers
- Check your developer’s References
- Clearly outline your expectations (Who will update content and generate content)
- Do not skip the environmental scan: what features do they like (patrons and staff), look at other library website (NY, Chicago), also review non-library websites.
- Form should follow function
- Begin Fostering Staff Buy-in ASAP (identify and inform staff)
- Start the training cycle once you decide on one
- Go with your gut: Library management has final say on the way the website should look, not the contracted vendor.
- Edit mercilessly: Website is a Visual Medium and should be appealing
- Let it go: Not everyone will agree or like the new website, those people will have to adapt.
- Usability Testing-> watching people for feasibility and accessibility
Suggested read: Don’t make me think “Get rid of half the words”
by Steve Krug
- It is important to familiarize staff with website, Julie suggested to make it part of new staff orientation.
- If you create a new site don’t announce launch date.
- After a site has been created respond to all comments. Thank patrons for commenting, and follow up on status.
- Prepare for negative comments. Honestly evaluate all comments. “It will hurt. It is your baby after all”
- Making iterative design changes is key
- Library websites are like toddlers: We need to watch that toddler closely
- Be ready for the terrible twos: After two years consider modifying based on full review
- Websites should continue to evolve. Once they stop changing it becomes irrelevant.
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