Building a Better Website

Aiyanna LooneyLibrary Assistant

Oskaloosa Public Library

The Home Page

• Use the “Facebook Model”– Simple graphic or logo and company name at top

right– Navigation bar on the left hand side of the page– Text and main information in the middle– Events, calendar, Twitter feed, and other links to

external sites on the right hand site of the page

The Home Page

• Important modifications to the “Facebook Model:” add a Heading– Search bar at top and to the right• Search site• Search catalog

– Address and contact information– Hours

The Home Page

• Use the home page to promote the library – by adding a widget such as:• LibraryThing• GoodReads• Shelfari

– by adding pictures to highlight specific events such as:• Computer classes• Children’s story time

The Home Page

• Important modifications to the “Facebook Model:” organize and prioritize Tabs– Tabs at the top of the page should include links to

only the most frequently used site pages– Do not include external links– Should be visible on all pages– It is important to add a Home or Index tab to aid

in navigation

The Home Page

• Important modifications to the “Facebook Model:” add a Footer– Only secondary site pages– Can include external links– Can include extra navigation links– Should be visible on all pages in site

301 S Market * Oskaloosa, IA * 52577

Mon, Tue, Thu 10am – 8pmWed, Fri, Sat 10am – 5pmClosed SunPh: 641-673-0441

Search SiteSearch Catalog (or link to catalog)Site Map * Accessibility

Home * Resources (Databases) * Children’s * Teens * Contact Us *

Get a Library Card New Books WidgetEvents Widget/Pictures

Calendar

Request a PurchaseRequest an Interlibrary LoanBook ClubStaff PicksWILBOR

What’s new at library:Main news

*Library Reading Garden*Progress Pictures

Upcoming Events

Computer & Internet AccessMeeting RoomsHomebound Delivery

We’re blogging FacebookTwitterFoursquare

Job SeekersCareer Builders

Computer Classes Story Time

New York Times BestsellersBook Reviews

Cell Phone for Soldiers Free Wi Fi

About Us * Get Involved * Ask a Librarian * Genealogy * Community

Library Examples

• http://adelpl.org/• http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/• http://www.westervillelibrary.org/• http://lib.asu.edu/• http://www.lib.washington.edu/• http://www.library.illinois.edu/

Do’s and Don'ts

• Do’s– Center the webpage (have a left and right margin)– Use big photos or illustrations in place of text, or

to highlight text– Use bold colors, natural textures– Links should be in “Needs-based Clusters” such as:• Books and Catalog• Services• Teens

Do’s and Don'ts

• Don’ts– Use flash or videos or animated graphics– Use sound or audio files– Use a lot of pictures and graphics– Use graphics or pictures as backgrounds– Use colors as backgrounds for large amounts of

text, or for the body of the webpage– Center large amounts of text, or the body of the

webpage