Comments on: What should a modern library’s website be?

By: PLA Blog » Blog Archive » Philadelphia Junto: Rethinking the Library

PLA Blog » Blog Archive » Philadelphia Junto: Rethinking the Library — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:17:12 +0000

[...] the Library’. In an open forum provided by P’unk Avenue, whose blog posts (1) and (2) were the impetus for this Junto, everyone got to speak their mind about what they believe the [...]

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:34:28 +0000

I like Geoff’s list of features in the original post: “an Ebay reputation system, a Digg voting component, a room reservation system, a Google Books repository, a WorldCat list and notes feature….”
I would like to see library websites, and mine in particular, share those features in common with the rest of the web whenever possible. Libraries have long developed their own ways of doing things that work well for Librarians but when exposed to the larger culture are quite limited. The Web has only accelerated that process. I would like Library web tools (catalogs, digitized media, possible reputation systems) to use existing tools and existing standards for information so that it can interoperate and integrate with the rest of the Internet. I think that is how we will remain relevant and survive.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 04:35:08 +0000

I have yo disagree with what John said earlier. I think that we have to think about the younger generations that are growing up with more and more technology. I think that a lot more people would use resources that are only available at the library. I am not putting down the value of books, but they could have more value if made more accessible like on a library’s website.

By: -M@

-M@ — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:55:06 +0000

I agree that libraries should have a more significant web presence. I would also agree that teachers and students need to encourage the use of physical libraries. I rarely find all the information I need from the web even with all the online resources provided through school. Also, books and magazines are still a better interface overall. The downside, of course, is that you can’t search complete text. Something to consider….as the internet has grown and available knowledge online has become easier to use and more accessible there has also been a pretty significant increase in the amount of print media being produced. It would be interesting to find out how much has been physically printed about the web and/or how to use it and technology. (maybe I can find that online?

I do understand what you mean about being self-taught however at this point in our society doing this on a larger scale seems unrealistic. A lot of this ultimately has to do with economics. If anything I think it’s a negative thing for people to not go to college due to money…a problem I am all too familiar with. The structure of college learning could definitely change and be more flexible but perhaps a greater problem is how large financial institutions, insurance companies and lawyers have compromised much of the public services in this country including libraries and schools.

By: Elissa

Elissa — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:45:02 +0000

Random thought…integrating the visuals of a library into a website could make it feel more like a usable tool for those who have trouble adapting. For the users that like to meander in a library and look at the assortment of books on the shelves, visually posting this way of looking at a shelve on a website may make it desirable to grab books (a cyber-library).

By: John

John — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:16:45 +0000

Hello,
If you put the idea of the public library in Darwins laws the Public Library has not really evolved with the progression of technology and peer to peer education. I have mixed feeling about creating a extensive website for a library. I support the idea for organized groups that can reserve space in a library is an excellent idea because there are groups they don’t have the space or money for their organization. Look at Facebook and the announcements on the home page. There are groups, such as the Neighborhood bike works that invites me to events that their hosting. Neighborhood bike works hosts a fixed gear 101 session that shows people how to convert their bikes to fixed gear. They host this event every month and to go to the event is 100 donation for the parts and service.

The only problem with making a extensive website is that people may be intimidated by it. Also people might rather go to the website rather than going to the Library. There has to be a balance that people can you the website and be attracted to go the library.

By: Frank

Frank — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:27:10 +0000

Libraries are definitely going to have to evolve with the times if they want to survive. The more that they can create the library experience in cyberspace, the more they can expand their user base. In addition, I agree that the physical building should still remain so that those who do not have access to the technology can benefit also. I like the idea of the lecture hall inside the library. Great way to get people together to talk about the info.

By: james diMartino

james diMartino — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:05:11 +0000

Burrowing from the masters of the digital age (Ebay, facebook, google, et al) is a master stroke. This takes the peer review process and hands it to the public at large. (could be incendiary)

In the late 80’s the Guttenberg project began making books available on line, but they were entered type with hyperlinks.
I am surprised that there are not more images of source material with marginalia digitally available.

This would be an invaluable resource. Have you ever seen Joyce’s handwritten manuscript of Ulysses at the Rosenbach. His marginalia is a look into his thought process as he assembled his work.
This combined with a facebook account for James Joyce would make the man, his work and his impact on his time and ours much more substantive.

Library’s used to be housed in fortresses and protected by armies. A repsoitory for crucial information available to the privileged few. In the scenario you propose your privilege is your desire/need to know.

A sort of ask and you shall receive.

I love the clubhouse idea, it is a wonderful way to imagine the new library in a way that will promote access by all.

By: P’unk Avenue Window » Blog Archive » IDES 322: Techniques Studio

P’unk Avenue Window » Blog Archive » IDES 322: Techniques Studio — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:40:49 +0000

[...] What Should a Modern Library’s Website Be? [...]

By: goose

goose — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:25:14 +0000

A specific example of what I see a library offering – especially on its website would be personal local information. Say I went to the website, typed in my zip code and then got a rundown of all the local ordinances, petitions, zoning questions, etc, that would directly affect me. That would allow me to educate myself and then encourage me to go to local meetings and give my say and hear what others were saying.