Aaron Louie – Blog

… is the library’s website.

So why is there only one person running it?

A certain large local public library system has that one poor systems librarian doing the work of 8 people:

• managing the online public access catalog,
• handling the integrated library system,
• managing the web server,
• managing the database vendors and databases,
• developing web applications that interface with those databases,
• coordinating the content authoring workflow,
• editing and uploading site content,
• and managing one web editor and a part time graphic artist.

This valiant librarian is working 80+ hours per week, and the redesigned website that I and my fellow consultants have provided her will require even more of her already-scarce time to truly realize the library administration’s vision.

Think about it. To run even the smallest library branch, it requires the coordinated teamwork of several people. But the library’s website, no matter how good the information architecture, content management system, or design, cannot survive on one person’s effort. It receives many more visitors than even the busiest downtown branch of the library system. It answers far more questions per day than the busiest reference desk. It is seen by more passersby and reaches more potential patrons than the most beautifully designed or most visible library building. Satisfying the needs of all those users requires considerable effort and attention — far more than one person can supply.