Roanoke Public Library's Kids WebPlace Project PlanPROJECT PLAN
Although the Roanoke Public Library has a website, the site is not personalized and does not focus on kids and the many resources and programs that are available to them. Kids Clicks is to be designed for kids (ages 3-13) and their caregivers, mainly in the Roanoke, IN area but there will be features for any kids/caregivers who come across the site.
With interacting with the patrons that come into the library, there are many questions as to what the library offers to kids. These questions are asked of the director, the staff, the board, people in the neighboring offices, and even of the regularly visiting patrons. Surveys have been done and patrons often mention the need for more information on the kids programs and what is happening in the library and surrounding area. As a result of these surveys, brochure have been created and distributed but these are limited in who can be reached and information shared. Mailings have been considered also but this is cost prohibitive and difficult to reach all possible needs and people. A website seems to be the most cost effective, efficient method that can reach the most people.
Here are some of the repeating questions that are asked: What is the contact information for the schools, organizations, sports and local events in the area? What are the details of the summer reading program, the preschool story time, and other library events for children? Who should they contact if they have questions about the library or other area organizations and events? There are also questions about the library itself-how to get a card (as in resident, non-resident and free Roanoke School Student cards), who runs the library, who is the library director, what is available at the library, what new books and movies are available, when is the library opened, where is the library located, can I use a card from another library, what changes are happening in the library, etc.? Computers are another big question area. With the kids using/needing computers more and more there are many questions about usage and availability of computer.
Since learning that I would be doing a website for this class, I knew almost immediately that I wanted to do it focusing on the kids events/activities that the library provides. I have been closely observing and tracking questions that I, my assistant, and board have been asked about the library. The questions are again the ones mentioned above, but the main question is always "What does the library offer kids?" Living in a small bedroom community and having the library within walking distance from most homes, the library is considered a safe place so many parents/caregivers send their kids there. The parents/caregivers want to know what is available to them and their kids.
Thus the purpose of the website is to inform and answer many of the questions that are asked on a regular basis. This way if a caregiver or kid wants to know the answer to a question they can go online anytime of the day or night whether the library is open or not and find their answers. This will save them a trip to the library or a phone call to ask. This will also be available to those that are unable to visit and receive one of the library’s brochures and will be able to include more information than can be shared in a simple brochure. Since the site will be linked to the library’s main page they will also be able to connect into the library’s catalog and other resources available on the main site.
Some of the information on the site will be basic and will not change as in the history of the library; others will change seldom as in the board members, policies, and operating times; other will change yearly as in the basic programs with specifics changing as they become available; and others will change frequently such as the new books and movies (as well as the library director’s blog, if I decide to add one).Points to be stressed on the website are that the Roanoke Public Library offers services to entertain, inform, educate and assist kids in their everyday lives. That the library has programs, special events, computers, print and other media resources that allow kids to be the best they can be. The library is located close to where many of the children live being on the Main Street of Roanoke within walking distance of the park, school, local shopping and many residential areas. Most services offered by the library are free or at minimal cost. Goals of the website are to show that the library is a community oriented, safe public place with a hometown personal touch; to inform and convey the many varied services with times, dates and other helpful information; and to prove that the library has more to offer than just books.
The area that I as the director and the designer am most concerned about is the fact that the library is in a state of major change. I have only been director a short time and have tried to make some changes while keeping the old favorites. I will be wanting to make even more changes come next year when I will be done with my MLS and will have more time and brain power to concentrate on the varied needs of the patrons. I want the library to continue to grow and offer new resources and programs and the website will need to be able to grow and reflect these changes. Thus I want the website to have growing space for new and innovative ideas that may come along.
The website has come along quite well. Dreamweaver helped a lot with the validation problems. The only problems I have run into is with the widget that I added to my own new personal page. The widget code includes wording that validation does not approve. Changing the wording though causes the widget to not function properly so I am leaving the page with the widget so now my new personal page is not validated. The formative process page tells of one other validation problem I encountered and in that case I chose to go with validation.
NOTE: I have spoken to the web provider (The Library Corporation) about adding this site to the main Roanoke Library website. The tech guy there said that would be possible and he will help me do it when I am ready. For now, while it is still in process I'm keeping it on Googlepages.
