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.