-or-How You Gonna Keep ‘em

Down on the Library’s Web Site?

The State of the State’s Kid Pages

109

45

87

Libraries with Kids' Sites

Yes

Single Page

No

The State of the State’s Kid Pages

20 1

99

6 130

Kids' Sites with Unique Local Content

Yes

Some

Events Only

Catalog and Events

Catalog Only

No

The State of the State’s Kid Pages

90

18

51

Links Out of Site

Mostly

Some

No

Old Site

Why Redesign?

• Kids aren’t going to come to library site to go to the Internet

• With tools like Google, why use lengthy lists of links on library site?

• Time to maintain list of links better spent developing local content

Goals of the Redesign

• Keep kids on local site• Highlight local events for kids• Make it easy to find new library materials• Make it “Kid Friendly”

Steps to Redesign

• Look at other sites• Find examples of what you like and don’t

like• Don’t use clipart if possible• Use bright colors• Keep words to a minimum• Incorporate library materials into site

Inspiration

Redesign Philosophy

• KISS• Inviting graphics• Change info frequently• Make the site interactive

– NOT busy

Redesign Tools

• Web standards– XHTML/HTML– Cascading Style Sheets

• Javascript• Graphics program

– Photoshop Elements– Paint Shop Pro

Redesigning on a Shoestring

• Learn basics of HTML & CSS• Make friends with a talented graphic artist• Use free “stuff” from others• Be willing to work diligently on content

Web Page Components

• Branding• Graphics & Colors• Games & Interactivity• Book Reviews• Events• Homework Help and Parent/Teachers

Branding

• Logo• Site

Address• Mascot

Graphics & Color

Games & Interactivity

Games & Interactivity

CSS hover buttons

Games & Interactivity

Javascript word game highlighting

Alliance

Games & Interactivity

Tie-in to Dial a Story phone service with link to catalog and MP3 version

Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Branding

Book Reviews

Highlighting subscription service

Book Reviews

Age-specific titles and book

descriptions with book jackets and links to catalog

record

Events

Events

Branding

Events

Age-specific events

Events for all ages

Homework Help and Parent/Teachers

http://www.rodmanlibrary.com/kids

“I basically knew [the fire safety house] was coming to the library because I saw an ad for it on my computer, on the library’s home

page.”--Benjamin, 8-years old

The Alliance Review, 6/21/2007

Future Directions

• Keep material fresh• Change colors, add new graphics

periodically• Add more interactive content

– Student poems– Short stories– Book/Movie reviews (tie to catalog)– Student artwork

If You Buy Only One Book…

Learning HTML and CSS

By Elizabeth Castro By Eric Meyer

Free Tools for Non-Programmers

• Javascript Source– http://javascript.internet.com/

• Google Gadgets– http://www.google.com/ig/directory

Links to Web Sites Mentioned

• www.rodmanlibrary.com/kids• www.tbpl.thunder-bay.on.ca/kidszone/