Wow! What a visually appealing webpage! That's what initially attracts me to the
library media center website. A user may look at the graphics or even the font and
layout of the webpage. This creates initial attraction, but a media specialist must
consider the ultimate goal of the webpage and media program as well. In his article,
David Warlick notes that the ultimate goal is for students to become successful
learners and supporting teachers in their efforts to create meaningful learning
experiences for students (Warlick, 2005). Students, teachers, and parents and
community stakeholders are the target audience for the webpage, therefore they
should be kept in mind when designing. The content determines the quality of the site.
Links to reading programs or research tools should be made readily available. It's an
added bonus if those links include icons so that students with limited English
proficiency he's can identify them visually. Bullet points are also an added plus
because they draw readers eyes to special sections. A combination of graphics, text
and animation will also be ideal. North elementary school's media center webpage
was awesome because it included a virtual library. Grade level resources were
segmented so that teachers don't have to spend much time looking for appropriate
resources. Links were attached in an east to use format and layout courtesy of
Symbaloo. The site is interactive; users can request to have new books added to the
site using a Google form.
I found the Unquiet Library's website to be full of useful information. Even the name
is cool. They prominently display links to social media sites on the homepage.
Once the site is designed, media specialists be mindful of promoting the webpage.
Places sites URL on correspondences, emails, in other print publications from the
media center. Displaying the media center's program goals for two consecutive
years is a great way to have by-in from users. If they understand the mission of the
media center they are more likely to use it for the stated purposes. The databases
tab had such an abundance of resources for research. There are no icons for any
link but they are categorized according to subject area or purpose. I noticed that the
school district and/or media program makes optimal use of research-based
websites.Because one of the main goals of the media program is for students to be proficient
researchers, links for instructions on referencing material and how to cite sources
should definitely be available. Lakeview middle school gave a perfect example of
how to conduct research. They detailed the Big 6 model in very specific, easy to
understand steps.
The media specialist's time is so valuable especially if on a fixed schedule. The media
center's webpage should serve as a "liaison" between the patrons and the media
specialist. By containing the appropriate information, patrons can use it to access
needed items without constantly contacting the media specialist.
I agree that graphics, fonts, and other physical designs initially attract users. I have spent a lot of time looking at websites and have come across really good ones. Some, however have little to no information and some have entirely too much information, making the webpage confusing and difficult to navigate. I particularly look for resources that are given and especially like the idea of grade level resource separation as well as a virtual library...neat! Of course, useful links are another great addition to the webpage along with the mission and vision.
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