[WEB4LIB] RE: icons/images for email reference service

[Gillian Wiseman]

The only reason our library page has an icon is that there is enough text
already on the page (most of it not my choice!) that the icon was an attempt
to make it stand out. 

If you want to see the page, it is: 
http://www.waco-texas.com/city_depts/libraryservices/libraryservices.htm

I didn't design the page. It is maintained by the city of waco Public
Information office. I just make suggestions and offer advice and provide
informational updates. It's sad!

Gillian Wiseman
Electronic Resources Librarian
Waco-McLennan County Library


-----Original Message-----
From: george at library.caltech.edu
To: Multiple recipients of list
Sent: 2/22/02 5:55 PM
Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: icons/images for email reference service

Clueless curmudgeon alert!!!

Why, oh why must there be icons and graphics designed and applied all
over
the place?  If they add value through:

increasing clarity
enhancing website "stickiness"
[insert other favorable outcome here, my well has run dry]

then by all means, use 'em.

BUT, the gains need to outweigh the potential losses:

increased confusion
longer load times
accessibility issues (visit Bobby http://cast.org/bobby)
too cute for their own good (applies to icons and names of services,
even in
text)
[also not an exhaustive list, keep going -- your detractors will]

I've heard of far too many services that were ham strung while waiting
for a
nifty name and even niftier logo, before they were allowed to start
providing needed functions to the target clientele. 

Food for thought, I hope.

George S. Porter
Sherman Fairchild Library of Engineering & Applied Science
Caltech, 1-43
Pasadena, CA  91125-4300
Telephone (626) 395-3409 Fax (626) 431-2681