[WEB4LIB] Purpose of library websites

[Toni Walder]

Dan, Since the Wright Memorial Public Library has only recently unveiled
our web page at http://www.wright.lib.oh.us, the issues you bring up are
ones I've spent a lot of time considering.

I didn't want our page to be the online equivalent of a brochure, as
many public library pages (especially the early ones) seem to be. I also
didn't want it to be so crammed with information no one would want to
wade through it. And I was adamant that, on the first page, at least,
there would be no scrolling. (Our page designer thought I was nuts on
this issue) I also didn't want any dropdown lists.

On the other hand, I do think "marketing" to our community, to the
library community, and to the world, is important. So I wanted something
more than bare bones. I like good graphic design, and looked at zillions
of pages on Libweb to isolate those elements we "must" have and those I
couldn't stand. What you see is the distillation of all those concerns.


--
Toni Walder    walderan at oplin.lib.oh.us
441 Hadley Ave    937-293-2790
Dayton OH 45419

"The optimist proclaims we live in the best of all possible worlds;
and the pessimist fears this is true." -- James B. Cabell