goldhe@eckerd.eduOnline Catalog- Do you have an existing system? Does it have a web interface? What are the cost considerations for conversion? Learn more about library automation choices at: http://www.biblio-tech.com/, http://www.lib.uiowa.edu/cps/automation/vendors.html, and http://www.niss.ac.uk/reference/opacs.html.
Subject Guides- An excellent way for patrons to find subject-specific resources without using a search engine or subject directory. See the Eckerd College Library subject guides at http://www.eckerd.edu/library/subject.htm and the Smith College Library guides at: http://www.smith.edu/libraries/subject/.
Library Information- A must for library web sites. It includes hours, phone numbers and addresses, staff lists, services, mission statements, floor plans, virtual tours, borrowing policies, etc. See an example at: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/SerDepts/vl/Lib/serv.html
Reference and Interlibrary Loan Services- Many libraries provide "virtual reference service" and ILL forms for remote users. Setting clear guidelines in advance avoids any misunderstanding patrons may have about the scope and depth of the service. Academic libraries tend to limit service to their own academic community and public libraries tend to limit service to registered users. See examples at: http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/service-depts/newlis/LIS_Enq/index.html and http://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/lib-info/ilr/ilr-hp.html
Community- Many libraries provide community events lists via bulletin boards, fliers, and advertisements. Added to a web site, this list provides services to anyone living on the far reaches of small towns and cities See an example at: http://www.communitylibrary.org/mmscl/n1tcc.html
Classes- Most college and university libraries offer library instructional classes (bibliographic instruction) throughout the semester. Posting class availability and sign up options via a web form similar to forms used for ILL and virtual reference increases visibility of library services and can boost attendance. Class schedules might look like: http://www.mannlib.cornell.edu/reference/workshops/
What's New? and Special Features- When new additions are made to the library (books, computers, services, staff, or furniture), announce them on the "What's New?" page of the web site. This section of a web page introduces new services or new web site designs, cutting down on the confusion patrons experience when familiar routes suddenly disappear. See an example at: http://www.cant.ac.uk/depts/services/library/news.htm. If your library boasts any special features, such as rotating art exhibits or a newsletter, include it as a link.
Prepared by Helene Gold
Electronic Services Librarian/Assistant Professor
Eckerd College, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Online Information, Tuesday, December 7, 1999
14:00-15:40 Track Two: Libraries and the Internet- making the web work.
Main Page (1) | Getting Started (2) | Design (3) | Active Web (4) | Additional Resources (5)