One of the most important aspects to consider when designing a website for the LMS is the overall target audience: the students. While the teachers also fall under the audience umbrella, the ultimate goal for the LMC website is to become a resource for students when they are not able to access their physical library media center and provide them with the information they need when we (the library media specialists) cannot be there to guide them to what they require. Like the LMC, the website needs to be a space that draws students in and keeps them coming back for more. There are several ways to accomplish this goal, such as including calendars, lunch menus, and sports scores on the homepage of the site, links to popular books, informational websites, and social media sites related to the media center (such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), or even including an area for book discussions. It needs to be an environment that is welcoming to students as well as one that they can feel comfortable using.
Another consideration for the LMC website is the provider. As previously mentioned, there are literally thousands of different sites willing to offer their website creating services. A variety of services exists through each vendor, and there are those that require subscriptions while others (Weebly, Google, etc.) allow you to work with a number of their tools, free of charge. What it comes down to in the end is your decision as an LMS after careful consideration over what your school needs and what your budget can afford. As long as you are able to connect with your students and teachers that is all that truly matters.
Some other important factors to consider when creating your website for the Library Media Center are:
- Parental audience - include an area where they are able to interact with the media specialist and learn about special events held in the media center.
- Special events and volunteer services - recruit parents to the cause that is your media center by posting a schedule of upcoming events as well as a list of volunteer duties.
- Maintenance - consider developing a small team to assist you in maintaining your school website, especially if you are quite busy throughout the week and have very little time to check on the status of the LMC website. Consider including student library-aides who have a knack for technology.
- Always keep your intended audience in the forefront of your mind when creating your website. You don't want to include websites, links, and databases that are too complicated for elementary and middle school students to understand. Conversely, you don't want to include content that is geared toward a much younger crowd when developing a site for middle and high school students.
Food for Thought:
Some LMC websites for your consideration:
- Frederica Academy - a private school servicing students in grades PK-12
- Grandview Elementary School - a public school servicing students in grades K-5
- Pierce Middle School - a public school servicing students in grades 6-8
- Montclair High School - a public school servicing students in grades 9-12
I think the hardest part of being in charge of website is keeping it up to date. While I agree that the target audience is one of the most important aspects, I also think its important to put stuff on your website that doesn't require constant attention. Another important aspect of website maintenance is setting aside time to work on it. Often times the LMS gets "stuck" with the entire school website and that can be a huge job just keeping all info current. I think a great idea would be to enlist one of those young hip teachers that has an awesome web page and get them to help. Or for older grades, find a student or two that is web savvy and get them to help.
ReplyDeleteI agree as an educator and future LMS that our main concern is the success of the students. A media center web page has to be able to help the student in this process. The web page has to be designed so that it is user friendly, interactive and provides useful information to its patrons. The web page should serve roles as teacher and information specialist. Students and school staff can gain important Information by visiting the site. This information can help meet their needs such as current events, school contact information, and access to media resource information. Since social media is one of the top trends of information, especially for children, having the ability for media program connection is a way to get patrons involved and encouragement to visit the web site continuously.
ReplyDeleteCost has to be a main factor since this is a major concern to the media program budget. Many media programs have limited funds and must make the best of it to improve the program. The media specialist has to shop around and find the best value that will give him the desired quality that he seeks for his web page. He has to consider the population that will be accessing the web page and the ease to keep it current. This is a business where cost consciousness is one of the top priorities of being successful. Free provider is nice.
Really good blog! I concur with you on the importance of the LMC webpage. Fortunately for me our school website houses a lot of the information you mentioned like the calendar and lunch menu. However, I do agree that the site should keep students coming back for more. In our district (APS) the media specialist are responsible for all of the technology needs of the school which include: tweeting, FB, school message board, pictures for special events, power points for events, and community connections to name a few all while managing the library and assisting teachers and student with resources. The apps you provided gives me a jump start on creating my page. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you for sharing the additional links. They all give some great ideas and tips for LMC web page design. It is unfortunate that so many school media center web pages are just plain boring and ugly. In my system, all web pages are created on Sharepoint. Teacher, school, and media center pages look very similar to one another. The idea was to streamline all pages so that they are user (student and parent) friendly. I do agree with the theory, but it does present challenges to make the web pages more appealing. Of course the top priority is functionality and the web page’s effectiveness as a resource tool. I like the idea of using a portion of it as a place to collaborate with students. Last week, we discussed how wiki’s can be useful tool for students, media specialists, and teachers. Perhaps linking a wiki to the LMC web page will bring more users to the page.
ReplyDeleteIt is so difficult to determine whether to devote the time and energy to a website or a social media page. A website is good for a professional presence for the teachers, the stakeholders, and the local community. A social media page is essential to connect with students. You need both in order to reach your target audiences. Even if the updates are not extensive, it is a good idea to update both on a regular basis even if it is just short little blurbs to reach both the students and the adults.
ReplyDeleteI think social media has many positive uses in schools and in libraries. One of your points, repackaging information stood out to me the most. I found this cool lesson that incorporates the use of Facebook and a specific period in history. Students would write on the wall too write content from the perspective of a historical figure. I think this is certainly an example of repackaging information using social media.
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