Thing#10 The Virtual Library Branch
(1) Best Library Website: Public Library Hall of Fame
I browsed this list and came across two overseas and two domestic library websites with creative graphics and special effects. (Whether our patrons would take to these features is another question!)
Biblioteca Sala Borsa of Bologna Italy has an abstract shape that remains in the background as you scroll the page and current events scroll vertically and stop just like the moving billboards at Old Orchard.
DOK Delft Public Library of the Netherlands has book images scrolling horizontally like a moving picture gallery, with the silhouette of a patron in the foreground.
Osceola Public Libraries, Florida, features images that expand and slide as the cursor is run over them.
Westerville Ohio Public Libraries features an automatic tour of catalog search and other features at the top of the home page.
(2) Downloadable Audio Book
The ladies at Reader's Services graciously allowed me to explore the two sites for downloadable digital books on the one computer in the library that is set up to perform such downloads. I like the collection listing and the NetLibrary/AudioBooks Center versus North Suburban Digital Consortium comparison chart. Clearly this is a medium designed for a tech-savvy patron. All of the information is relevant and well organized. To expand usage of this service, a seminar or workshop might be useful to advertise this service and encourage its use. However, please don't be disappointed if some traditional patrons stick to a fine paper book for their reading pleasure!
(3) Overall Library Web Site Impressions
I like the tabs with color coded drop down menus with defintions of terms such as RSS. I like the quick access to the "My Account" section. I mentioned some clever bells and whistles used at other libraries, but I am not sure that making the site busier or more animated would add value. Patrons of all ages and backgrounds may have reached a point where they tire of animated pop-up ads on their home computers and may find an uncluttered research and education site refreshing. The organization and presentation of information on our site is great and I like the photo gallery and easy links to Skokie Net and with community images and information.
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