[Web4lib] Web technologies and public access

[Melora Norman]

This topic makes me think about the difference I observed between
operating a regular public library operation and a books by mail service
that was almost like a NetBoox thing, where the patrons got the titles
they requested, regardless of condition. In the by-mail operation, I
never once heard a complaint about an item's condition. However, in a
bricks-and-mortar public library setting, the appearance and condition
of the books make a huge difference when I'm browsing.  On the other
hand, in an academic library setting, or when I absolutely need or want
a particular title, I will so far always reluctantly check out and read
an item in poor condition (dried-on food, in particular, is nasty;
sometimes I want to wear rubber gloves).

Despite nastiness, so far I have preferred reading the disgusting, free
paper library copy over buying an e-book that makes me look at a screen
for even more hours in a day.

I think that there are indeed times need will trump aesthetics (although
the latter are obviously of some importance!)

Cheers,

Melora Ranney Norman

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Karen Patterson
Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 12:19 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Web4lib] Web technologies and public access

Sorry, I have to agree with Karen about the importance of design,
especially in websites. The fact is, it takes the average user less than
a second to assess a webpage and form an opinion. That's where design
comes in. It doesn't matter if your webpage has the answer to the
problems of the universe - if it's not well designed and welcoming to
boot, I'm not gonna hang around to find out what you have to say.
Nielsen is indeed a case in point. I'm so glad someone has finally said
out loud what I've always thought. I understand that the content he puts
up is something that I'm generally interested in, but I don't want to go
there because of the site design! The bottom line is, unless I'm
desperate for the information, I'm not going to stay on a page that is
aesthetically offensive or otherwise makes poor use of my valuable time.
Karen Parlapiano PattersonMLS Candidate (2008)SCSU