Post #2 Library websites that do it right

I’ve been looking at various library websites to determine if there are any libraries that do something really different. I’ve compared the Los Angeles Public Library site with the the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Counties. This isn’t comprehensive, just highlights of the good and not-so-good features.

The Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County was the 2006 winner of the National Award for Library Services. Dig through their website and you will see why they won. The services the library provides are incredible: Downloadable audiobooks, music and “eFlicks”, beta testing of video on demand, RSS feeds for programming by subject area or branch location (each branch has its own feed,) a photo poster generator, along with the more traditional web elements.

Library websites with this much information can be disorganized and overwhelming. This site was well-designed, with easy navigation to the most needed information: branch locations, programming and calendar, catalog, and services. Very concise, no need to click through menus. Highlights upfront, details behind the tabs. I like the way the library tied into the “Body Worlds” exhibit at the Discover Place Museum by both featuring the exhibit, and linking in its own databases and collections related to health. Be sure to drool over the other services PLCMC provides its patrons. And to be absolutely sure the printed page lives on, PLCMC sponsors “the only public library-sponsored literary publisher- Novello.

Click on the Teens link and see how PLCMC is engaging teens with 2.0: a dedicated website with Second Life, YouTube videos made by teen patrons, podcasts, MySpace. They’ve done it all plus the traditional book reviews, game nights and movie nights. Information directed to teens are tabbed at the top. Of special note is the Life Info tab, which links to social services that teens may be embarrassed to ask an adult (abusive parents, homelessness, etc.)

The Los Angeles Public Library website is more traditional, with a cleaner homepage. The most interesting pages are for Kids and Teens. Both are animated and colorful, although they are a bit slow to load. Both have games designed specifically for the library, but the highlight is the LAPL Game in the teen section, The Goodhue Codex. This quest-type game involves the architect of the LAPL main library, the art work on display, and some secret codes. (If you’re not familiar with quest games, be ready to spend a few hours solving the puzzle.) The teen site doesn’t feature the 2.0 features as did PLCMC, but it does feature an opinion page with opinion polls, book reviews, comments and suggestions. The LAPL “My Life” also provides teens with sites to help with personal problems. This site is less focused than the PLCMC page, providing general websites, but no local social service information.

The rest of the LAPL website is a standard library site, providing information about traditional services.(I found it ironic that so much reading was required for the Adult Literacy link.)

Overall, I think the PLCMC site provides more information in an engaging format. The site is well planned, and most information is only one or two clicks away. They’ve put the most interesting and engaging information up front. Explanations are short, direct and informative. If you need a model of a library using 2.0 services and well designed website use PLCMC as your template.

If you know of a great library website, share it and let me know what makes it great.