Library Web Sites: the Next Generation

[Teresa Ashley]

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Most libraries have created a Web-presence, and the Web has become an
integral part of libraries' service missions.  The "frontier days" of
library Web creation have ended, with library sites evolving from local
indexes to electronic information resources to intricate electronic
representations of the library itself--digital gateways to internal and
external information with multiple purposes: bibliographic instruction,
online reference/reader advisory services, public relations.   More
sophisticated and demanding user populations, new technologies, new
teaching/learning methodologies, new resources, and new legislation
regarding access to information resources, have spurred a trend in
library web site redesign.  This trend incorporates the need to rethink
interface and information design, as well as ways to measure and
evaluate the effectiveness of library Web sites for a diverse population
of library users.

What can or should we expect of the "next generation" library Web site?
With an eye toward the future, LITA's Internet Resources Interest Group
is calling for presenters for "Library Web Sites:  the Next Generation,"
a program for ALA 2000 in Chicago, which will cover issues in
information architecture, design, accessibility and usability.  Our
program is slotted for Monday, July 10, 2000, from 9:30 - 12:30.  We
envision four presenters who will discuss aspects of the program theme
for 15-20
minutes and then respond to questions and comments from an audience of
100-200 librarians.

LITA interest groups have no funds for honoraria and cannot assist with
travel or conference registration expenses, so we are looking for
presenters who are already planning to attend ALA 2000 or whose
institutions would be willing to send them to the conference to present.

If you would be interested in presenting, please submit your proposed
topic to us as soon as possible.  You can contact the program
coordinator by email at tashley at austin.cc.tx.us

Thank you for considering our program.

Teresa Ashley, LITA IRIG Program Coordinator
tashley at austin.cc.tx.us