[Web4lib] Create a customizable homepage/site?

[Karen Harker]

Admittedly, using a CMS is probably the most preferable architecture for running a Web site.  However, this move from your current architecture should be taken carefully and for valid reasons that you can support.  If the staff at your library is already entrenched in its current environment, it would be careless to dive head-long into any CMS, regardless of the benefits.  You will abandon some folk and anger others.  Furthermore, it would be foolhardy to change for only one dubious purpose: personalization features.  
 
You need to build a case for the direct and indirect costs of transitioning to a CMS and then you have to sell it.  If you do not have buy-in, particularly from the administrative and technical staff, your CMS will likely fail, because any Web site is only as good as content it provides. If the current system is perceived to be working fine, then there will be little enthusiasm for a new system.  But if you can demonstrate not only the "neat" and "cool" of a CMS but the problems that it will actually solve, you may get more support.  
 
Now, if you are fortunate enough to work in an environment that provides a testbed for you to evaluate systems, then your work will be that much easier.  Seeing is believing...if you can demonstrate a CMS using a prototype, the staff will become more enthused than simply visiting other sites that bear little resemblance to your own.
I'm not trying to be a Cassandra, just a realist.  Non-technical staff are starting to get jaded themselves when it comes to high-tech systems.  They've heard all the promises before and have often been let down.  Such staff can fall into a mode of "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it", stifling innovation.  If this is especially apparent in your workplace, go forth, but tread lightly.  Be prepared for obstacles and resistance, but if you can make your case logically, you will have a greater chance at success.
 
 
Karen R. Harker, MLS
UT Southwestern Medical Library
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX  75390-9049
214-648-8946
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/library/ 

>>> "Cary Gordon" <listuser at chillco.com> 4/19/2007 2:11 PM >>>
There is really no perceptible downside to using a CMS. There are about 600+
CMS systems available, so the hardest part is picking the one that is the
best fit.  If you intend to create applications in PHP/MySQL or migrate
existing PHP/MySQL applications, you should give Drupal a thorough
evaluation.

We use it as the basis for our LibrarySite 2 service package, and have found
it to be comprehensive and reliable.

Cary Gordon
The Cherry Hill Company
http://www.chillco.com ( http://www.chillco.com/ )

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