Barbarossa’s Take on the JCWWDCICPU
2.1.1 The library will partner with local private and public agencies to create content-rich Web entities.
A couple of other suggestions for JoCo entities:
JoCo Sports (both for professional and school teams. Could also be used to inform about Sports clinics, training camps).
JoCo Entertainment. Theater in the Park, Upcoming festivals, live music, local bands (maybe with demo tracks!). Personally, I’d like to see this be a local thing, not just a listing of what movies are playing at the megaplex.
2.1.1.2 JoCo Elders.net
Something that worries me about this is that we’d be duplicating information from other sites (JoCo Family, Health) just for inclusion on this site, just because it’s ‘easier for seniors to find.’
Other names might include JoCo Golden Agers, JoCo Gold..
2.1.2.1 JoCoLibrary.org
Providing users with access to information about books, authors, and AV materials.
This (the catalog search) should be the most prominent feature on the page. And it would be great if it was accessible from every page, maybe built into the site navigation. The first place people look on the screen (or in a book) is the top left. It’s how we read. I’d vote for the catalog in the top left, but I’m not stuck on that location.
In order to improve the site three distinct areas will be addressed:
Increasing ease of use.
Increasing local and unique content and flavor.
Increasing the site’s graphic appeal.
In my opinion, these are in exactly the right order. Excellent.
April 2006 Update:
The entire Web Content Team assumes responsibilities fro the library’s web site. Individual Developers…
I’m not sure if something’s missing here, or if it’s a prior deletion. I might need to file a FOIA request ;)
Decreased reliance on pop-out navigation by providing alternative navigation options and ensuring that all content was available through the main menu.
Yay!
Bolded navigation text for easier viewing
(And better design hierarchy.)
2.1.2.2 Johnson County Intranet
The Web entities and sites discussed above will be built with users and not staff in mind.
Good. Staff can adapt easier, and can be more fully trained. But, if done well, the sites will be intuitive enough for anyone to use without prior training.
2.1.3 Also, the color scheme of the tab could be carried through the Web entities pages.
Good. A unique feeling on each section helps to differentiate things in users’ minds, and might send red flags if an incorrect link is clicked and the corresponding page doesn’t match previous ones.
2.1.4 The library will develop or purchase a universal search mechanism capable of searching any and all electronic resources.
Serials Solutions (online magazines and newspaper search) is a great leap forward. I used to shy away from using all of those databases because it was so time consuming to search through each one. If I do this for a living and I’m not wanting to look through each one, you can bet patrons aren’t going to want to either.
2.1.5 …staff report that often patrons must be turned away due to heavy use.
Yes! But, patrons are learning how to use the reservation system and seem content to wait a few minutes if they know they’ll get their whole hour. The wireless is a nice plus for some, but soon we’re going to have to choose between space for books or PCs.
…thin client technologies…
Not sure what this means. I did a google search, and it looks like it’s similar to dumb terminals? If some knowledgeable sort can show me the light…
2.1.6 April 2006 Update:
Although certain pages and content have been translated into Spanish, the current Web site is not particularly accessible to patrons with physical challenges and those for whom English is not their first language.
Maybe we can use style sheets for a ‘large print, click here’ option. If possible, we could use these ‘one click’ solutions to translate pages into other languages / character sets too.
Windows comes with a host of accessibility options for ADA users. A text/screen magnifier is available, as are built in speech options.
2.2.1 The library will provide training on basic Web skills and use of the Web entities.
We could include a short section of our Log on to the Internet or Library Catalog classes. Also, short, informal, training can be performed by staff to patrons on an as-needed basis, I’m sure.
2.3.1.7 Partnerships
Do we place higher emphasis on the goals / agenda of the partner organizations? Are we selecting organizations just because they’re the most convenient, or closest to us? Is one-sided, or biased information possible?
2.3.2 A partnership with local television, radio, and print media will also be key to the success of the JCL DCIC.
Steve Kreske might be another option. Some staff have been on his show in the past.
Other possible promotional items such as flyers, bookmarks, and merchandise giveaways will be considered…
Anything we can give out with our name on it is great. First, it’s free stuff. Who knows where that’ll end up. And second, it’s got our name on it. And [hopefully] our website. Getting little branded golf pencils (which everyone already associates with a library) or pens, to put at computer stations, would be great. Also, we could do cool ‘kids’ cards, with a decorative front. Paper pads for the computer desks, etc.
2.3.3 In addition, staff will have a method for evaluating and answering patron concerns about specific sites.
Select staff, maybe. Out on the front lines, it would be nice to be able to tell people an approximate timeframe for request consideration. And, a lot of times, the ‘unfiltering’ option simply doesn’t work.
3.1 Although we have many grand and enchanting plans for what the best public library Web site in the world looks and feels like, if the site isn’t clear, effective and functional in the basic services that patrons expect, we fail.
Yes. Very true.
Recognizing that as one of the most visually mundane websites, Google, is also the most powerful, trusted, and utilized.
Also true.
Functionality comes hand-in-hand with accessibility and writing to comply with programming and Web-interface standards, such as W3C.
I’m glad that standards are a priority. Not everyone runs windows boxes and internet explorer. There are few things more frustrating than wanting to use a site and finding out that it won’t display (or run) on your system.
3.2.3 Finally, it is vital that assessment and evaluation do not suck the fun out of what draws staff and patrons to the Web to begin with.
Surveys quickly become tiresome. Focus groups, while more labor/resource intensive, make patrons feel like their opinions are valued. If we can spend time with patrons, and implement things that they want, or at least grow from those ideas, then patrons will be happy to give more feedback in the future.
3.4 Answers, inspiration, interaction, and engagement.
This is our new mantra, or the web version of our goals?
3.4.1 We are not doing our job when we only point patrons in the direction of the Web or give them a list of over seventy databases and wish them luck.
The same can be said when we only provide our patrons with a dewey number. This is a real problem that we’re going to have to find a way to deal with. We have to be able to give good service to patrons, and should be accountable if we don’t.
3.4.3 …we should create online meeting spaces, host online interactive progams, and encourage patrons to share content and expertise and build community via the JoCo Web World.
Yes. A great way to do this would be to set up forums. Patrons can post and answer questions, give feedback, share recipes, get to know other patrons.
I’d love to see this online community take off and grow. We could provide people with @jocolibrary.org web accounts, email addresses, online storage. I know this sounds daunting and impossible, but small steps can make it happen.
4.0 …companies stage an experience whenever they engage customers, connecting with them in a personal, memorable way.
This is where all company-to-consumer activity is heading. We talked about it in design school, interactive brands. Some companies are already doing it, providing personal shopping assistants and the like. Of course, with us, the balance is time. And how can we bond or engage with patrons, and not have to bond with some of our less savory clientele. A tough thing to say. We have to make ourselves memorable, but not force it on people, and not make it artificial.
4.1 Experience is creating delight.
What if we did something like Amazon’s Gold Box? Not with great shopping deals, but with Readers Advisory or other programming/events that might appeal to people. I know we talked about being able to let patrons have personalized book recommendations with the new iBistro (years ago), but it never got implemented. The slippery slope here is data collection. We don’t want to be tracking their information or interests in a bad way. I think this would have to be voluntary.
Also, how about online scavenger hunts, puzzles. Not just for kids, adults too. They could win some sort of mid-range prize. Something that’s not expensive, but something that’s worth their time. A book, or a DVD or something. An example. When the Da Vinci movie came out, google did this online puzzle tie-in. Flash games and interesting questions made the user really feel connected to the movie.
4.2 Experience is learning more about yourself and your world.
Forums!
4.3 We should use audio as a form of navigation, such as providing online audio tours of the sites and resources.
Interesting idea. I think there is a big market for podcasts/audio feeds. There’s something about listening to a regular broadcast that gives a good feeling. Be it Prairie Home Companion or a weekly podcast. Part of the charm is the predictability. A musical segment intro tells regular listeners what’s coming next. Another nice aspect is if the ‘hosts’ of these podcasts are always the same, listeners feel like they’re identifying with them. Sort of like how people feel like they know celebrities.
We will have children or possibly the ‘voices’ of beloved characters narrate our JoCo Kids web site.
That’s the coolest!
Sharing online recipes might lead to a program by a local chef and an in-person tasting. A program on local gardening might lead to a community plant swap.
Great ideas!
4.4 The best facility, the best resources in the world will not compensate for poor service.
True, but how can we get all of our public staff to give great service?
4.5 Or, to paraphrase Edward Tufte…
Someone else has read Edward Tufte?! I thought it was just designers and statisticians.
External Link Inclusion Guidelines
Be devoid of pop-ups
Yay!
posted by Scott! at 2:10 PM
2 Comments:
To answer your question, thin client technologies are simply very light-weight (in the sense of number of applications or how much computer processing is required) software or computers that have very little in the way of processing power, and thin computers typically do not have much for storage space (these computers are often used just for e-mail or basic Internet connection). The client reference is based on the idea that the computers are all networked. For more detailed information, you can see the Thin Clients entry at Wikipedia.
Scott: Thanks so much for your extensive review and comments!
I'm really excited to talk about many of these topics and suggestions in July. Once others have responded, we can discuss more of these topics in depth, but here's a few comments just off the top of my head:
1. The new Web World will incorporate forums--once we have the new content management system (CMS) installed, we're hoping we'll be able to use their out-of-the-box forum option rather than buying something extra or customizing. I'm still hoping we'll have the new CMS installed in July, and we'll be able to start piloting Web sites (JoCoTeens and JoCoBusiness will be the first) in September-October.
2. "Answers, inspiration, interaction, and engagement" is Tim's synopsis for how all this comes together--it can easily be applied to all levels of library service, but we focus on how it's applied online.
3. I love the online scavenger hunt concept!
20 points to Capt. Barbarossa for reading the plan
40 points for the extensive comments and suggestions
100 points for referencing Tufte (just so you all know, cheap and easy points will always be had by proper references to Tufte or Melville ;)
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