The library's website is a vital communication tool. Many patrons visit the library for the first time online, and some may interact exclusively in a digital format. As the virtual entrance to the library, your website should be an attractive and usable platform for engaging with services.
Purpose and Content
Generally, libraries utilize their websites to fulfill three major goals:
- Create an online presence with general information about the library, such as location, contact information, governance, and policies.
- Publicize the services and programs offered by the library.
- Create a central location for accessing or linking to digital collections, repositories, databases, learning platforms, and the library's catalog.
Content on the library's website may include information created by library staff, links to library resources, and links to external organizations or information. It is important to think strategically about what information should be included on the website and how it is organized. Users may experience information overload, or the desired content may be effectively hidden, if a large volume of content or number of webpages exist. It may be helpful to create an outline or map of the website's structure and content, to avoid duplication and to easily locate sections that need to be updated when information changes.
Design Considerations and Accessibility
In addition to deciding what content will be included on the library's website, other elements that should be considered include: development process, responsive design, and accessibility.
Website development usually follows one of two directions: library staff may be assigned to create and manage the website, or a professional web design firm may be hired. Tools exist for designing a site in-house that do not require paying an outside vendor, but these options often pose hidden costs, including staff time, expertise, and knowledge management – if the assigned person is unavailable or no longer works at the library, what is the backup plan?
Outsourcing the library's website to a professional design firm requires an initial investment, but it can lead to a superior product. Some questions to consider when selecting a design firm:
- Has the company designed websites for libraries or non-profits?
- How much experience do they have? Can they point to examples of their work?
- Will they put you in touch with past clients (especially other libraries)?
- How quickly do they respond to your questions?
- What is included in the price?
- Can they deliver on time?
Regardless of how your website is developed, it should incorporate responsive design and accessibility. Responsive design enables the website to work well on a variety of devices, including desktops, smartphones, and other mobile devices. Although responsive design is now standard, be sure to confirm that capability before selecting a developer.
Accessibility relates to the ability for users and staff to access and use a website and its content, with the removal of as many barriers as possible. Accessibility takes many forms, such as optimization of a webpage to allow for navigation with a screen reader; text equivalent for images; adaptive font and color settings; and more.
For additional information, public libraries may refer to the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Fact Sheet for the Dept. of Justice's final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the ADA.