website collaboration project

This project lets our group look at different school websites and discuss what features are most appropriate and helpful for a school library website. I liked examining different library webpages and discovering which features are most desirable. I found that when it comes to school websites, simpler is better. You don't want things crowded in among images, links and tiny text. The page should be attractive and somewhat colorful, but should be organized enough to let users navigate through it.
I think many area schools have excellent websites, and the library pages are generally easy to use and pleasant to see. I like the idea of allowing students, parents and teachers outside access to the catalog with a password-- it seems to make things more secure and reliable.
It seems to me that the website is a reflection of the library itself. It should introduce the library and the staff, give relevant information and links, and let school members have access to the library even when school is closed or out of session.
Libraries are such an important part of a school environment, and particularly now with budget cuts and decreased numbers of class library visits during school, it is important to keep the school community interested in the library and what it offers-- the webpage is a great way to do that!