Group name and members
Group name: Libraries
Group members: Christopher Gregor, Caitlin Hattaway, Jasmine Phillips, Erin Seaman, Colin Webb
Selected type of site and sample sites
We selected public libraries as the type of library site we will use for the group assignments. The following are sample public library sites:
- Athens-Clarke County Library: https://athenslibrary.org/athens
- Kalamazoo Public Library: https://www.kpl.gov/catalog/
- West Florida Public Libraries: https://mywfpl.com/
- Gulfport Public Library: https://mygulfport.us/gpl/
- Orange County Library System: https://ocls.info/
- St. Johns County Public Library System: https://sjcpls.org/
- Broward County Library System: Broward County Library
- Leon County Public Library: https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/library
- National Library of Education: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/projects/nle/
- Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/
Group Statement
Since we have all accessed and used public libraries at some point in our lives, for work, education, or leisure, we have all been exposed to and have had to learn the interface of this type of website, which is a large part of the reason we chose public libraries.
At first glance, a library can be defined as a place that houses books that individuals can access and read. However, libraries are far more capacious than that: they are resource centers that help connect the public to not only physical and digital books, are databases and research services, are a community space that offers a variety of resources and events, and are an access to check out physical objects like gardening equipment or GoPros. Not only that, but the physical spaces of a brick-and-mortar library offer a variety of social goods for people of all ages and backgrounds in the form of events, learning opportunities, and simply just being a physical space to use.
Given that public libraries serve the general population, we saw the value in exploring the usability of this type of library site. Technology has allowed public libraries to extend their resources, services, and holdings in an electronic format through their website, which gives patrons new and convenient ways of accessing information. Conversely, with all the information they display, there is also the potential of causing frustration, depending on how the library chooses to organize and label the information on its site – users may end up feeling hindered rather than supported as they conduct a search. Public library websites have the unique challenge of accommodating a broad population of users with different technological skills, so it will be interesting to see how they have responded to this.
It is important to note that, with such an ever-increasing variety of uses offered by public libraries, their websites must convey a wealth of information in a logical and easy-to-use manner. Unfortunately, due to factors such as decreased funding, many library websites are difficult to use for the average user. This is particularly dire, since the trend we are seeing is an overall decrease in utilization of public libraries by the general public, which has prompted companies such as Amazon to suggest that we replace these free, public institutions with yet more private, pay-to-play services. The ease-of-use of a public library’s website, in a world that is increasingly moving to online services, has a direct impact on whether these institutions will continue and remain funded, or if they will be deemed obsolete and phased out.