Book description
In the past fifteen years, the World Wide Web has become such a major
part of the library world that most libraries now have some presence on
the Web. This issue of Library Technology Reports explores the idea of
the digital branch-a library website that is a vital, functional
resource for patrons and enhances the library's place within its
community. The report outlines an efficient process for creating a
digital branch, from the initial phases of gathering information and
sketching out a design, to winning approval from management, hiring
qualified IT staff, and maintaining and upgrading the site once it is
built. Throughout the report, the author regularly uses his experience
at his own library as an example of how the process can unfold and what
pitfalls to avoid. Topics Covered in this Issue Include: Defining the
digital branch Gathering information; understanding what your patrons
and staff want from the digital branch Planning for the digital branch
Building the digital branch Maintaining and upgrading the branch once
its built Building community through the digital branch David Lee King
is the Digital Branch and Services Manager at the Topeka and Shawnee
County Public Library, where he plans for, implements, and experiments
with emerging technology trends. He speaks internationally about
emerging trends, website usability and management, digital experience
planning, and managing techie staff and has been published in many
library-related journals. David was named a Library Journal Mover and
Shaker for 2008 and recently published his first book, Designing the
Digital Experience. David writes the Internet Spotlight column in Public
Libraries magazine with Michael Porter.
