Creating a web presence is very useful in providing library services. I have had a webpage devoted to student research needs for some time now. I took the opportunity in this exercise to create a web page for teaching staff that directs them to technology and web tools that they would find useful as they work with students.
Library web pages are indeed very useful but there is a liability or two in establishing that presence. The first of which is creating an overly elaborate or too full page. It has been my experience that simple is better. Too many links can confuse the user. Difficult navigation is another liability to avoid. Burying a website inside a larger website such as a school district site is common example of this. If it can’t easily be found then it might as well be invisible. Library web pages should foster access to materials and tools. They augment the information literacy skills the media specialist is actively teacher students and staff. The webpage presence should not supplant the media specialist. It should foster user confidence in building skills in information literacy. It should be a portal to the tools that in conjunction with the media specialist the user is prepared to utilize to maximize their ability.
The page that I set up has a target audience of staff but it could be easily adapted to the student audience. One of the features that a webpage lacks is element of the reference interview. When I interact with students I work with them to define what their information need is and what sources might best fit their need. A webpage is rather static in comparison. It does not adjust to the nuances of shifting understanding. Webpages can’t brainstorm or idea map with students. Therefore the webpage is a tool that comes into play after the primary teaching has taken place.
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