Content Details
ED465379 - Advancing Your Library's Web-Based Services. ERIC Digest
- Category
- Executive Agency Publications
- Collection
- Education Reports from ERIC
- SuDoc Class Number
- ED 1.615:
- Date Issued
- September 1, 2002
- Author
- Feldman, Sari; Strobel, Tracy
- Source Institution
- ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology, Syracuse, NY
- Sponsoring Agency
- Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC
- Publication Type
- ERIC Publications - - ERIC Digests in Full Text
- Subject
- Access to Information, Adolescent Literature, Electronic Libraries, Homework, Information Technology, Library Development, Library Services, Public Libraries, Reference Services, User Needs (Information), Users (Information), World Wide Web
- Identifiers
- Cleveland Public Library OH, ERIC Digests, Web Sites
- Abstract
- This digest discusses the development of World Wide Web-based services for libraries and provides examples from the Cleveland Public Library (CPL). The first section highlights the importance of developing such services, steps to be followed for a successful project, and the importance of having the goal of replicating and enhancing traditional library services in an online environment at the core of planning for Web-based services. The second section addresses online circulation services, including CPL's Web catalog, online self-help services, and e-mail notification' services. The third section covers reference services, focusing on KnowItNow24X7, a live Web reference service launched by CPL and the CLEVNET consortium. The fourth section describes CPL's online services for young people, including the HomeworkNow reference service, Tutor.com (a commercial Web-based tutoring service), and Yread? (a Web site for teens, educators, and other individuals interested in young adult books). The fifth section considers possible future steps to offer readers' advisory. The sixth section lists the following tips for advancing Web-based services: commit to 24x7 access to library services; take risks and move quickly; utilize all library resources as well as the Internet; find information partners that complement library service; and use targeted marketing techniques to reach new audiences.