LMC Web pages and Websites

Media Center Web pages and Websites

Web pages and websites are an open view into the media center and school's world.  These can be an imperative part of a media center program.  When searching media center's web pages and sites I came across many well designed and updated pages and sites, but unfortunately for every successful one I found there were at least three that were not updated and lacked good information.  

Here is a list of helpful information that I believe all good web pages and media center sites should have:

• School name and address
• Media specialist's name and contact information
• Media center hours
• Separate pages for policies and procedures (i.e.: hours of operation, circulation policy, etc)
• Helpful links which include the districts home link, a link to the school website, and other links such as homework help and educational websites
• Other information about special programs the media center participates in or upcoming events 

I believe that a successful media center web page should include descriptions about links and other information listed.  My thinking is that if someone who has no clue what a media center is or what a media specialist does should be able to go onto the site and learn as much as they can about that media center and how it operates.

Here is a list of important things to keep in mine while creating a website.

• Audience- you have to understand who will be viewing and using your website before you can effectively create one.  If your site is for younger students and their parents the site will be geared for them, but if your students are older and they will be viewing it, you should make sure that the information is appropriate for them.  
• Update regularly- I have been looking at many media center web pages and it bothers me when the site has not been updated or lacks simple information.  I understand that taking care of a web page is time consuming and that media specialists are being pulled all different ways, but the Internet is one of those avenues that everyone can view and get information from.  With out world being 24/7 it is important to keep this important part of the media center up to date.  Collaborating with others can make it easier to keep the site updated.  You can also recruit students to help with the site.  
• Link descriptions- There are many sites that provide helpful links for parents and students, but the links have no description or explanation of what they can be used for.  If links are provided, it is helpful to have explanations or descriptions available because this will only make those links more apt to be used.
• Surveys and feedback- Sending out a survey about what should be on the website would be great way to learn about your audience and what they are expecting.  Parents, teachers, and students are there to help with the creating of the page and will be more apt to using the site if they know the information they need and want is provided.  Feedback and comments can be given throughout the year to ensure that site is doing its job.  

Websites and web pages can be a great way to communicate and share information about what is happening in the media center.  With our world revolving around the Internet and students becoming familiar with working on the Internet, it only makes sense to create websites and web pages that are user friendly and that provide helpful and useful information.