Librarians have embraced web pages as a means to reach beyond bookshelves to wherever their students access the Internet. Jurkowski found that 87% of librarians responding to his survey on LM_Net have a website for their library (2010). For a librarian setting up a new web page, the main question to keep in mind is, “Does this information/link/image/web page support my students’ learning?”
Tips for Media Center Web Pages:
· Free software (Nvu & Mozilla SeaMonkey) for web page creation (Jurkowski, 2010)
· Keep it current
· Present unbiased comments and balanced materials
· Double-check accuracy of your information
· List page’s author and whom to contact for assistance (webmaster’s email)
· Let students and other end-users test it for ease of use, etc. and use their feedback for improvements
· Use a simple design
· Ensure it can be used by low-vision and hearing-impaired students
Uses for Media Center Web Pages:
· Promote your library media center – e.g. links to state representatives, school board members; book fairs, library events
· Advertise new materials – upload an image of that newest, hottest graphic novel to bring students in
· Promote, organize, and provide discussion space for book clubs
· Offer professional development models for teachers
· Post summer reading lists and have a summer reading giveaway (Stephens & Franklin, 2007)
· Provide links to subscription databases, government websites, and GALILEO (Georgia only)
· Provide catalog access, ability to place holds, view student’s account
· Imbed child-friendly search engine or links to these
· Post library media center policies such as IUP and library use agreement
You can add so much more, but remember to keep in mind your original question, "Does this support my students' learning?" You can find the current weather on a billion other websites. Stick to what matters.
Resources:
www.mozilla.com
www.nvu.com
www.seamonkey-project.org
http://www.bwscampus.com/upper/library/index.aspx - example of a good library media center webpage
References:
Jurkowski, O. L. (2010). Technology and the school library: A comprehensive guide for media specialists and other educators. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, Inc.
References:
Jurkowski, O. L. (2010). Technology and the school library: A comprehensive guide for media specialists and other educators. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Stephens, C. G. & Franklin, P. (2007). Library 101: A handbook for the school library media specialist. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
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