Effective library website design

When desigining a website for you library it is important to get it right as your online presence is the virtual representation of the phyical library.  If the library website creates a poor impression on users, they will also think poorly of the 'real' library.  Some criteria to consider when designing a library website includes:

• Content needs to be interesting – uninteresting pages are unlikely to get return visits

• Content needs to be current – out-of date content creates a bad impression and will discourage users recommending your website to others or returning to it themselves.

• Don’t use web 2.0 tools just because you can or want to look ‘hip’, use them for a definite purpose

• Ensure your website’s layout is uncluttered and easy to navigate.

• Use visual cues such as icons to break up text and to create interest – icons, pictures etc can encourage users to delve deeper.

• Make sure the identity your website presents is consistent and reflects its intended audience – don’t confuse your users as to the library’s identity or who it is trying to reach. 

• Collaboration and interaction - don’t make the website a one way conversation. 

• Promotion – the home page is the perfect place to ‘sell’ the library.

• Feedback/comments – don’t just provide a form, show the library is interested in what its users have to say by posting feedback/ comments for all to see (ensuring user privacy of course) and include library responses where applicable.  This demonstrates to users that their opinions are important to the library and helps create a relationship between the library and users.

Applying the above criteria to an actual website, in this case the CSU library the following can be said:

Content, whilst current, is dull.  Tutorial videos such as how to use the catalogue could easily be made fun and interesting as demonstrated by the Library Minute series of videos on the ASU Library Channel.

Use of web 2.0 tools is purposeful.

The website is extremely text and url heavy.  Some pages would benefit from moving information elsewhere on the site or by breaking it up using pictures, icons etc.  This would also give the pages a more ‘friendly’ appearance as currently the look, whilst consistent across the website, it is very formal.  The library would benefit from a look which was a compromise between serious academic institution and one which suggests a fun and positive learning place.  Also a more relaxed approach to format could be appropriate for pages targeting students. The more formal format could be saved for areas such as those for academic staff.

The library website makes good use of the centre of its homepage to promote itself.

The website provides little in the way of conversation with users.  Blog posts carry capability for users to comment on posts but otherwise there is no provision for users to add content to the site.  Similarly the library misses an opportunity to create a relationship with users via its feedback/comment capabilities.  Whilst the library may reply personally to a user, it could also use those comments and feedback as a promotional and community building tool