Introductory Assignment

The first assignment is in black below. I have entered my initial comments that were not required to be posted here in my blog in purple. I will print out all of my postings to the group discussions for reference.
This is the initial work we were to do after introducing ourselves.
Let's begin by examining several school library web pages. As you look at each one, consider these questions:

* Is the site attractive?
* Can you determine the school and its location? Is there a link to the school or district web site?
* Who is responsible for the page? Is there someone you can contact for more information?
* Are the contents up to date?
* Does this look like information that your students could use?
* Can you easily navigate from page to page and from sub-pages back to the library's home page?

For each one, identify something that you think is especially effective or something that you think could be improved. If you find something you really like (or dislike), make a note of it for future reference -- and perhaps to include (or avoid) in your own library web site.

* Van Allen Elementary Library, Iowa City, IA
The colors and graphics on this site gave it a youthful feel. The search this site box is a good idea. I found the frames within the site (the Iowa group databases) difficult to use. Also, I found it frustrating to click on a link and get to a blank page or one with little or no information.
* The BerkleyCarroll School Lower School Libraries, Brooklyn, NY
Appears to be multiple websites; the school's library website, the librarians' website, the elementary blog and then the middle school/high school libguides. I felt a bit mixed up. I know I feel that way with my website when I go back and forth between the web pages and my wiki pages. Very formal in appearance. Much more depth to the information. Much money for tools, like LibGuides. Easy to access buttons. My favorite part was the lower elementary school blog with all the multimedia.

* Westland Middle School, Bethesda, MD
Three button approach with wordle as the buttons very clever! The site does not provide easy contact information or date updated. * Athens High School Library, Athens, AL
Meet the librarian not linked and no further information. The table with the resources needed more information. This made me realize I need to put more explanations on my site. I know that icons are not enough. The pictures of students were labeled and the page I found most interesting and well done.
* Newton South High School Library, Newton, MA
Color combinations good. Three column layout with a banner and a horizontal drop down bar. Also, a banner across the top with mascot lion reading a book. A book in an orange circle icon displays in front of the URL line. I'd like to figure out how to do that on my site. The site appears to be up-to-date. Most pages have links back to the library except when lead to the district or other other libraries. How do you work around this?

Time Spent: 2 hours