I think the best thing about a media center webpage is that you really can’t do something wrong on the page! A media center webpage is all about giving information and providing ways to obtain information. Whether your page simply gives the basics about your MC or gives resources for every grade level and subject level, you need to concentrate on trying to help your students, parents, and teachers find the information they need.
The things that I like to see on Media Center pages include links to resources, information about upcoming events, pictures of the media center, and policies and guides specific to the students and the media center. One of the sample pages we looked at, Milton Middle School: http://www.milton.k12.wi.us/schools/mms/website/library/MMS_LMC/Welcome.html did a particularly good job of appealing to the age group of students – it looked like something a middle schooler would want to look at and use. The website included many links and guides that would be helpful in class and outside of class. I could see students using this website as the first stop for research. It also had a good section for teachers to use. The only problems I encountered on this site were broken links; I was reminded that it is a tough job to continually keep webpages updated because the internet can change daily. We have to make sure we maintain all of our links.
On the other LMC webpages, I saw a little less information, but saw things that made me think about we can use webpages. The media center webpage at North Elementary School (http://www.nobl.k12.in.us/North/NorthMedia/index.htm) had some awesome links to various blogs that students and teachers were utilizing. I thought this was a great way to link both a webpage and an interactive site. When checking out the website for Creekside High School (https://sites.google.com/site/theunquietlibrary/), I was impressed by the research that had obviously been done concerning making the media center a technological hub. I was very interested in their program goals that were available on the website. It was a true example of the way the media center should be moving in.
I enjoyed looking at the information concerning the different media center webpages; there are so many different things that can be done on a webpage for the students – it all depends on the effort you are willing to put forth. The only rule I would impose is to keep the information organized and make sure the website is accessible and easy to use!
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ReplyDeleteBy Cecilia:
ReplyDeleteThanks for an interesting blog. I agree with you about Milton Middle School's MC website. When I looked at Milton's website I thought it did something very important: it was geared toward the audience. By structuring it to have a middle school look and feel, the MS ensured that it would be used by the students, rather than just teachers or parent volunteers.
I think this is very important to keep in mind. Let's face it, we are in the "information business". We like information and knowledge, and want everyone else to have access to it. But the danger is that without keeping the audience it mind, the information will be lost (as will the audience).
I agree with you when you say that “we have to make sure that we maintain all of our links.” Nothing irritates me more than clicking on a link that no longer works. The last thing that we would want is for our stakeholders to start using our media center’s webpage and then get irritated because the links do not work and then they never use it again.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed North Elementary School’s Library Media Center’s webpage. It included numerous links to useful resources and everything that I tried to click on worked. I was glad to see that there were resources for Art, Music, and P.E., a lot of times these areas are forgotten in the media center. A webpage is definitely a great place to introduce ourselves to our stakeholders and to keep them informed about things that our occurring in the media center.
I enjoyed looking at the different web pages of the three grade levels as well. I agree that the information should be updated on a regular basis. Each grade level had information and design that matched that grade level. Each site had links to assist the grade levels with resources for the students and teachers. The book talked about having information pertainin to students, teachers, and parents. As a parent, I like going to my kids web page for the school web page to see what is going on with the school. It had several links to the grade levels, staff for the school (which had some teachers bio), and even the sports in high school. Of course, the elementary school would not have sports on the web page; it would have a link for P.E.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comments about a webpage containing information, from basic to elaborate. I enjoyed looking at the webpage samples you posted and agree with you and the other's comments that the middle school site was appropriate for that age. I also think it is important to remember, especially with elementary sites that students are not the only ones utilizing the webpage. Parents need a way to obtain information as well. I too thought it was great to have teacher links on the media center webpage, but staying current on the links is a must. It frustrates me (as previously posted) to think I've found a great and helpful site, only to find out it is broken. Thanks for the thoughts and examples. It gave me some ideas in creating media center webpage.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about keeping a media center web page organized and up to date. I know that when I go to a site and links are not working or the site is unorganized, I just leave. I also agree with what you said about the things you like to see. I feel like the media center web site should be an information hub for tech-savvy parents and students. They should be able to get needed information and answers to questions there. I also agree with what you said about North Elementary's site. I loved the helpful links provided there.
ReplyDeleteMedia Divas:
ReplyDeleteGreat posting on the use of SLMC Web Pages. I can see you looked at a multitude of MC web sites because you had lots of good information to share. I agree that one of the main aims of a SLMC website should be to give and provide information to its users.
You make a good point when you remind us how important it is to make sure that the SLMC website is current and that all links are open. This can be a very time consuming but essential task.
Thanks for the links to the middle school and high school websites. They are great examples to follow.
Having looked at a few media center webpages I can say that I enjoy the unique quality of each one. Some are very basic with the names of media specialists and the hours of operation, while others have links to resources and reviews by students, and new materials listed and on and on. The personality of the web host and the needs of the school can be seen on the page. What is chosen to go on the web page it should be revelant to the media center and useful knowledge for the visitor.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your first comment that you can't be wrong on a media center web page. I believe that something is better than nothing. Because the media center is supposed to be the "hub" of the school for research and technology, a webpage should be an obvious choice for media specialists wanting to reach out to stakeholders. Without a webpage, stakeholders will not know about current events in the media center.
ReplyDeleteThe summer before I started working in the media center I was constantly looking for media center websites as a way to gather ideas. I remember I kept going back to one website because it was easy to navigate and it seemed to surprise me with every click. The web desigh was so kid friendly and the information was clear and straightforward. The media specialist was very involved with South Carolina's ALA and she really knew how to get the word out that her media center was the HUB! She included a monthly calendar of activities throughout the year, policies, programs, pictures of activities, and more. Her audience included students, parents, teachers, and other media specialists looking for great ideas! The media specialist has moved to another school now, but this was the site.
ReplyDeleteDutch Fork Elementary School Library Media Center Policy and Procedures Manual (2007). Retrieved June 30, 2008, from http://www.readingwithmsbyrd.com/media_PandP.html