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=School Library Websites: How Important Are They and What Can They Do for YOU?=

//Answering this question will help librarians support the schools in which they work.//
This is a question that I pose to myself and to my students. I am in search of the answer everyday.

School librarians want to be leaders within their school communities. Utilizing the school library website is one way to do this. Since most districts already have a site setup for the school library, the librarian simply must decide what content to include for the community. Even though I said "simply," the process for deciding may not be as easy as I imply. For ideas of what to include for the users of your school library, you might want to view other school library websites to help you make the most of this opportunity to provide tools, information, and sources within and beyond the school library's walls.

First, take a look at some examples of how school librarians have designed their school library websites for their patrons use.
 * For examples of elementary school library websites go to http://schoollibrarywebsites.wikispaces.com/Elementary%20Examples.
 * For examples of middle school library websites go to http://schoollibrarywebsites.wikispaces.com/Middle+School+Examples
 * For examples of high school library websites go to http://schoollibrarywebsites.wikispaces.com/High+School+Examples

As you view these websites, identify elements that you like and might want to incorporate into your own school library website. Note those things that you want to change to better meet the needs of your audience. Jot down any of your own ideas that pop up. Do not let them float away into Neverland. They may not work this time, but you might come back to them for later use.

Next, decide how to organize the information that you want to provide. Are you going to place all of the information on one web page or have multiple pages? Do you want to try something outside of the box? Consider trying a blog instead. Carolyn Foote has a how-to article in //School Library Journal, 01/01/2010// found at [|http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/reviews/digitalresources/858466-315/looking_to_ramp_up_your.html.csp#Choosing%20your%20software]. Some very good examples are provided in the article through hyperlinks. Take a look. You might find something you would like to include in your own school library's site.

For more ideas on what you might want to include on a school library website, visit 100 Top Library Sites at []. This site contains an annotated listing of sites that might be useful to librarians and their patrons.

More things to consider to add to your school library website:
 * Tell who you are. Let the public know who the school librarian is and how to contact you.
 * Have you posted the school library's hours of operation?
 * Is the school library's location posted on the website?
 * Is there a way that you are able to offer reference services beyond the school day? You can be creative here.
 * How will you keep your school library website current? This is very important!
 * Is the reader of your website able to locate any additional web pages you are providing from the home page? Will the titles for these web pages attract the readers of your website?
 * Is there uniformity among the web pages of your school library website? Are readers of your website able to tell that they are still at your website and that they have not wandered off to some other location?
 * Are the colors and theme for your school library website attractive to your readers? Are the colors easy to read and navigate for many of your users?
 * Does your school library website include current news about the school library?
 * How are book reviews presented at your school library website? How are you contributing new reviews to the site? Is there a readers' advisory page?
 * Do you link to other libraries within the school district and community for your website users?
 * How do you tie the school's curriculum to the school library website?
 * Have you included teachers' sites or input? What about recommended reading, homework helps, and more?
 * Would it be beneficial to include a virtual school library tour for your patrons? Have you done it?
 * Would the school library community benefit from a posting of library policy on the website?
 * Have you added an Intellectual Freedom Statement to the school library website?
 * Are professional development resources provided for teachers at the school library website?
 * Is access to the online databases provided via the school library website?
 * Are school groups represented at the school library website?
 * Are parent resources provided for parents or guardians at the school library website?
 * How easy is it to access the online catalog from the school library website?

A very important consideration when creating a school library website is whether the site is accessible to everyone. To evaluate a school library website for accessibility, use the tool available from []. It is easy to do. Enter the URL or website address so the tool may run the evaluation on the site. You may also upload documents to have them checked at this same place.

Other places to find me:
Check out my Scoop.it! pages: Check out my web site: [|School Librarians 4 U] (related to a course I teach) Check out my new blog: Learning in School Libraries Check out my blog: [|Reading 4 Me] (old) Check out my bookmarks: [|Diigo: Weimar] Check out my older wiki: [|Weimarology]
 * HOTS & Libraries: []
 * Online Ed Tools: []
 * P-12 School Libraries:[| http://www.scoop.it/t/p-12-school-libraries]

Contact me: haw001@shsu.edu