School Library Media Websites Elective

SLM 521 – Summer 2005

Kayse Moyer

 

 

In reviewing websites created by media specialists in the field today, I have begun to develop my own criteria for my future library web page.  The components that I feel are necessary inclusions to any library site are:

  1. First and foremost a library site must include research information.  Since one of the most important roles of the high school library is to assist students in researching for papers and projects, I think that a media center web site must outline the research process, citation formats for sources, bibliographies, and plagiarism policies.
  2. The library web page should also provide access to the school, and any shared schools’, card catalog.  This is one benefit that anyone browsing will find different from Google or another search tool.  The card catalog is unique to just one place and contains its own collection.
  3. I will also include a link to online resources on my page because it is important that the online databases to which my school subscribes be accessible any hour of the day and from any remote access point.  There is so much time wasted in limiting student access to school hours. 
  4. Media center web sites should also display some important facts about the library itself like the mission statement, hours of operation, staff, equipment, and especially awards and commendations, as well as weekly and daily reminders or memos.  Parents and students need to know this information and I plan to place this type of information at the top of the home page where it is clearly visible to all visitors.
  5. It is important to also have an accurate, timely listing of periodicals on file in the library.  Hopefully those files can also be searched and accessed online.  This will enhance online searches from home by limiting search results to relevant information, unlike search engines’ results which may yield thousands of bad results.
  6. Lastly, I think that it is extremely important to stress the assets of my library online.  That means listing all of the new reads, most popular books, student picks, book discussion topics, and a whole slew of simply fun and entertaining information.  I want kids to come to my school’s library site just to browse and read for pleasure and plan on their picks when they come in to the library the next day.