\n<\/p>\n
What we have learned from working with libraries throughout the US, though, is that it isn\u2019t too late to fix the problem. Some of our clients have seen online visits, community engagement, and even funding increase in the weeks after launching a new library website. They are connecting with their patrons better than they ever have before.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
To put this another way, the best time to upgrade your library website was before Covid-19. If you missed that window then the second best time is right now. Here are some things you want to have in your library website to make it through our pandemic-affected world in 2021 and beyond\u2026<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In most cases, the most important thing about a library is what\u2019s inside. By cataloguing items that can be viewed or borrowed, or putting together an online reservation system, you can remain helpful and relevant to your community while minimizing in-person contact. And, with today\u2019s digital data management tools, it\u2019s easier than ever to keep track of what you have on hand and show which items have been loaned out in real time.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
We believe implementing the proper tools on your website will help shape your libraries\u2019 outreach, and make the library a top-of-mind resource for the patrons in your community during the pandemic. Incorporating an emergency alerts banner on your site can keep your patrons informed about COVID-19 openings and closings. Virtual events are the norm so having these events prominently listed on your site and through various calendaring options are important. Digital resources should be given particular attention so that you may reach a wider audience and raise awareness for those who may be engaging with the library digitally for the first time.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
Of course, libraries aren\u2019t only about books. You might have special resources like videos, photographs, or even recordings of filmstrips that can all be shared online. You could even create special sections for students, researchers, and those interested in local history or topics. Doing so allows you to make your library\u2019s best features more accessible to a wider audience, particularly at a time when it might not be safe or convenient for people to visit.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
Even in a public library there are business considerations that have to be factored in. For instance, you might be somewhat dependent on grants, volunteer hours, or donations from supporters. You might also prefer to incorporate online scheduling or training tools for your employees. By adding these features to your website you lower costs, give yourself new ways to accept money, and decrease your workload all at once.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
In a lot of industries web design projects are very similar from one client to the next. That\u2019s not the case with libraries. Building a library website requires a special focus on factors like budget, user engagement and interaction, unique collections, and so much more.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
If you want to work with a team that can help you plan, design, and launch your public library website from a place of creativity and experience, then your first call should be to Weblinx. We will be happy to schedule a free website consultation and help you get your project moving forward.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What we have learned from working with libraries throughout the US, though, is that it isn\u2019t too late to fix the problem. Some of our clients have seen online visits, community engagement, and even funding increase in the weeks after launching a new library website. They are connecting with their patrons better than they ever […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1046,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n