Balancing in the chaos: solo librarians as intranet Webmasters

Vol. 3, No. 4 • July/August 2000

Balancing in the chaos: solo librarians as intranet Webmasters
by Tim Tripp

Discusses the topic of solo librarians as intranet Webmasters. Says that the function of balancing the chaos of information with the overriding goals of the organization has never been more apparent than when administering the organization's intranet. Advises considering "why" before starting an intranet and lists six tenets of journalism. Discusses exercises in basic internal market research to identify information assets to be included before getting started, and the most common types of content. Notes that there are low-cost options to setting up an internal Web server, including a variety of freeware or shareware Web server packages that are available for download. Concludes that the creativity of solo librarians in utilizing limited resources is evident in the methods they employ to further their organizations' goals in developing and maintaining an intranet. Contains one product source guide and a chart.