Lyn’s LIS Blog

As I was reading this week’s readings, I started thinking about how it is now expected that public and academic libraries will have websites.  Most libraries are now focusing on issues of user-centered content, usability and accessibility rather than initial start-up.  For example, one blog posting I encountered challenges librarians to make sure that their websites include the ability for users to subscribe to feeds, consult with staff via Twitter, and browse the collection.  The blog author believes that simply having a library website is not sufficient any more, as one has to consider what users can actually do and accomplish there.  Given that we now tend to assume that libraries will have a web presence, I was surprised to learn that one of our large, local, public libraries still does not have a website.  The Cook County Law Library, located in downtown Chicago, is one of the largest public law libraries in the nation.  It serves the general public as well as the legal community.  However, it presently does not have a website.  The only information available to the public via the web is a general mission statement, locations, and hours which is accessible through the general Cook County website. 

Other large public law libraries have incorporated an extensive amount of content into their websites.  One of the best is the King County Law Library in Seattle, which has incorporated the use of podcasts and a blog regarding legal research, and also uses its website to promote its legal research classes for the public.   Smaller county public law libraries have also established a web presence. Two examples can be found at:  Stark County Law Library and Volusia County.

I am sure that the patrons of these libraries find the research guides and links useful, because many of them are trying to navigate their own way through legal matters because they cannot afford an attorney or do not wish to have one.  I am sure that their usage will only increase as the economy worsens.  It is unfortunate that our local residents do not presently have county law library web resources available to them.

Monetary concerns may be an underlying reason for the lack of a website.  Due to the current economic conditions, I am sure it can seem like a daunting task to have to request and obtain funding for the start up of a website if outside contractors are to be used.  Given these circumstances, it would seem even more important for librarians to be able to create and manage websites, and to have the institutional support required to undertake such an endeavor. 

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