What I think are the most important features of any library's website

After browsing various library websites, I found the good sites often include the following important features:

-               The catalogue is prominent, easy to locate, and the user can start their search right from the home page. Many library web sites require numerous mouse clicks and several attempts when navigating to the catalogue.  Sometimes the text is also too small and hard to read.

-               The layout should be uncluttered with simple wording and easy to look at colours. Too many colours and clutter are distracting and work against the user experience.  

-               There should be a simple way to look up an item, along with easy access to the ‘refine’ and ‘advanced’ search functions. This is often frustrating with some Library catalogues and doesn’t make them user friendly.

-               Clearly stated opening hours and location details should also be prominent and obvious to the user.  Travelling to a library only to find it closed, or arriving at the wrong branch to pick up an item is a negative experience, which poor web site design may be contributing to.

-               Clearly layed out telephone, e-mail and postal contact details are also essential and provide patrons with a range of communication options to make further enquiries, suggestions or complaints.  

My week ...

It is Friday night and I am at work!

I am not sure how much I love books but beside full time work at the Library, I found myself at school library again. Although, this is the only volunteer work I can do for my son’s school.

Otherwise every aspect of my life is just plodding along like sunrise and then sun set over and over again. My week was gone without saying good bye!

My five favourite library Websites

ALIA
Australian Library and Information Association web site was recently redesigned with some significant changes. It is far simpler to use and the lay out, design and colour look fantastic. The menus and search options offer comprehensive and flexible functionality.

Mooney Valley Public Library
I live nearby this public library and often make use of it. The website is very user friendly and simple to use even for children. However, the catalogue could be somewhat more visually appealing and it does take a few mouse clicks to search for an item.

State Library
State Library of Victoria is a Melbourne symbol and takes pride of space. I like the web site as the layout is straightforward, easy to navigate and simple to look at.

VALA
Victorian Association for Library Automation. VALA is an independent Australian based not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote the use and understanding of information technology within libraries and the broader information sector.

VU library
 Victoria University Library is within one of the few multi-sector Australian universities that offer both higher education and TAFE programs. I work and study here and use this library website every day.  I don’t consider it to be the very best web site and find it a bit busy, with excessive text and too much blue colour. However, despite the clutter I’ve become accustomed to it and familiar with the form and function of this site.

    

Something enjoyable and agreeableness

I can’t see myself doing a lot of Blogging. However, good to exploring the new platform of communication specialy it freely avalaible, simple, user friendly. I can unlease my creativity. Definitely, it is a good way to share the information.

My new journey

         

I was born in the year of the rat. According to the Chinese, a person born during the year of the rat represents an intelligent, fast and charming person. However I don't believe these qualities represent me. If anything I am opposite of these traits. It’s a little too late for me to learn about the new technologies but I am I believe it’s never late than never to learn. Finally I have developed my personal blog for my Library Studies. I will slowly be blogging along with my new journey.