So if you've been wondering where I've been and why I haven't been blogging...well...just to scratch the surface, I've been involved in a major web site redesign, planning a state-wide library conference and getting ready to roll out a new operating system and Office suite.
The web site usability testing, which we did with diverse groups of library users from all age and skill levels, was a wonderful learning experience. It led to completely redesigning the site, learning a new content-management system, writing web site policies and providing training to new web site editors. And the work continues as we maintain the site and build the staff Intranet!
I was pleased that our consultant, Kathy McShea, was chosen as a speaker at the PaLA Annual Conference so that our story could be shared. Even if you weren't there, you can see and hear all about it on her web site.
I've got to tell you, I view all web sites with a completely new perspective now... Ours was a site that was organization-centric, the audience was unclear, the navigation was unclear, duplication was a huge problem and we were ineffective in promoting key events and happenings at the library.
Now it is very focused on the needs of library users and centers around them, it's clear which audiences we are targeting, our navigation makes sense and is transparent for the visitor, the duplication has been avoided through unification and targeted direction, and we have found effective ways to highlight important events and information.
Whew! It's been a long ride, but absolutely worth the time and effort!
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