Library Homepage: the Chicken and the Egg

First of all, is a library homepage a necessity? The answer is no.

However... if you want to connect with today's students and teachers, I'd say it's a pretty good idea to have one.

But, it's a lot of work, you say! (Yes, and no). And what if no one even notices it's there, you ask! (Well, maybe). But, here's where we come to the chicken and the egg: First, your library homepage needs to be promoted by YOU (the teacher-librarian) with teachers and students. Show them how useful it can be, and how easy it is for them to find the resources and information that they are looking for. But then, after a while, the library homepage will start to promote the LIBRARY and all the fun activities and cool resources provided by the library program. If you give a little to the homepage, it will give back manifold.

Joyce Valenza states that a library homepage is equivalent to a "second front door" into the library. I agree in that the library homepage should be an extension of the library, resonating the tone and atmosphere of the physical space, and it should also be interactive.

Upon creation of a library homepage, Valenza indicates four essential library homepage "must-haves," such as the following:

(1) Information Access and Delivery: This would entail links to the school library's OPAC, and any resources based on e-subscriptions.

(2) Teaching and Learning: Lesson plans, collaborative projects with classroom teachers, and links to websites or tutorials for students which are curriculum-based. (Moreover, I would also add examples of student work as a celebration of learning).

(3) Supporting Books and Reading: Book reviews, and updates regarding new books added to the library's collection, as well as, reading contests or book clubs.

(4) Program Administration: Library hours, a short introduction of the Teacher-Librarian, loan periods, and library calendars.

Valenza's four areas cover all the necessary bases when it comes to creating a useful and informative library homepage. It is up to each teacher-librarian to modify and to customize their library homepage to meet the needs of their school population.

Sometimes socioeconomic factors play into the relevance of a library homepage. If the student population does not have good and equitable access to technological resources, then a library homepage might not be the best use of that particular teacher-librarian's time. As with everything else, the relevancy of a library's homepage must be assessed within the school's context.

Furthermore, a library homepage with all of the pre-screened links can provide students and teachers with examples of safe online websites. Lessons can be created around assessing the quality and validity of internet websites, and no student is too young to start these life lessons.

Personally, I have just started at my school and have not had a moment to turn my attention to the school library's online presence; however, it is on my immediate to-do list. I think that it is also important for teacher-librarians to use their time wisely and not to feel that they have to re-invent the wheel at every step. Therefore, when I do start to create my library homepage, I'm planning on modeling it on my favourite school library website in the district: Hillcrest Elementary. This library website is fun, interactive, and hits all of Valenza's "must-haves."