Library Technology Guides

My Systems Librarian column for the June 2008 issue of Computers in Libraries provides some tips that can help libraries drive up interest and use of their Web-based resources. Those involved in developing library Web sites can consider a number of measures to ensure that their receives increased use over time. Some helpful techniques include search engine optimization to ensure the best possible exposure in the search engines and the highest rate of delivery of users from search engine results to your Web site, help out the Search Engines through XML Sitemaps, make good use of meta tags in Web page headers, leverage social bookmarking, and use RSS to draw users to your site. But more then anything else, the key to increasing interesting your library’s Web presence involves offering compelling and interesting content. Design your site to enhance, promote, and deliver access to the library’s collections and services.

It's no big revelation to assert that the web has grown to be a more pervasive aspect of our lives. A recent study conducted by OCLC ("Sharing, Privacy and Trust in Our Networked World," 2007) shows that most of the major activities related to the internet have increased by substantial proportions: It sees that 19% more individuals have used search engines over the last 2 years, 30% more read or post to blogs, 5% more access online bookstores, while use of email increased 14%. In this context, it's alarming that the study indicates that the number of individuals who report having used a library website has decreased by 10 percent. continue reading...

(The full text of my Systems Librarian columns are available on Library Technology Guides 90 days following thier original publication in Computers in Libraries magazine.)

Marshall Breeding Sep 16, 2008 07:01:29 Link to this thread