EDITOR'S NOTES
Why a Library’s Online Presence Matters
by Brandi Scardilli
I spend a lot of time looking at library websites. For example, when I’m writing an article, I search for the appropriate librarians to interview based on the topic I’ve chosen (shameless plug: Heated Rivalry is my latest; newsbreaks.infotoday.com/NewsBreaks/The-Heated-Rivalry-Phenomenon-at-the-Library-173116.asp). I visit a library’s website to find someone to speak to about requesting an interview. But if a library doesn’t have an email address, phone number, or contact form available on its homepage or on an easy-to-find Contact page, I have to move on to the next library on my list so that I can stay on schedule. (It happens more often than you’d think.) This process makes me appreciate when a library’s online presence clearly communicates its most important content. The features in this issue all deal with a library’s online initiatives in some way. Danielle Chouinard (Athens State University in Alabama) details how evidence-based user experience (UX) techniques can help any library make meaningful improvements to its website. Stephanie Johnson (Union County Library in North Carolina) describes the implementation and management of her library’s teen-led blog, which amplifies the voices of young people in her community. Erika Alfieri (Jacksonville Public Library in Florida) provides a road map for planning your first digitization project to support new audiences for your institution or broaden the reach of a collection with existing interest. Richard Cleverley (Open College of the Arts in the U.K.) shares the digital tools that allow him to run an online-only library for remote learners.
Enjoy the issue!
Sincerely,
Brandi Scardilli,
Editor in Chief
bscardilli@infotoday.com
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