Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Redesign Your Library Website



Wittmann, Stacy A., and Julianne T. Stam. Redesign Your Library Website. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2016.
ISBN: 978-1-4408-3856-9

Publisher
A comprehensive guide for all sizes of libraries, this book guides you through the entire process of effectively redesigning your library's website—from evaluating your current site and understanding user needs, to creating a budget, through to launching and maintaining your updated site.

For today's increasingly web-savvy patrons, your library's website is a critical aspect of your services and user experience. If it's time for a website makeover for your library, this book will take you through the process step-by-step, sharing lessons learned and pointing out pitfalls to avoid. The end result? You'll delight your patrons with easy-to-find information, wow your director with an easy-to-use content management system (CMS), and impress your board with a website that clearly communicates your library's value.

Written by two veterans of the process who have presented workshops on this topic, this book covers the entire process of library website redesign: from evaluating your current website, to making the decision of whether to hire a web developer or do it in-house, to usability testing. It also addresses budgeting, making content and design decisions, the launching process, marketing, and upkeep of your new site.

Features

  • Presents an approachable, complete guide that covers all steps in the process of revamping a library website, turning a potentially daunting challenge into a doable project, even for those without technical backgrounds
  • Describes various ways of handling specific steps for different sizes and types of libraries—from a "DIY" approach to cost-effective ways of hiring outside professionals
  • Provides an invaluable resource for librarians and library staff members charged with the task of designing or redesigning their library's website as well as for web developers and designers who work with libraries