Designing Web Interfaces to Library Services and Resources

This text explains interface design techniques and helps librarians with specific examples demonstrating the potential of Web technologies. Working on the acclaimed electronic publishing project JSTOR, Kristen Garlock and Sherry Piontek have visited many of the participating library sites to troubleshoot problems and solicit user feedback. Drawing on their experience, the authors describe the common characteristics of the best library Web sites, such as good organization, design for ease of navigation, and intuitive search forms for logical browsing. They also suggest mechanisms for delivering the information, like e-mail, downloads and helper applications. Libraries are using single Web interfaces to access a range of resources, some to specific audiences - OPACs and propriety databases, library-created infobases, community information, Web directories, library event information, exhibitions and more. This work includes advice on topics such as principles of interface design accessibility issues, keeping people with disabilities in mind, making navigation easy for users and how to involve users in the design process.