Oak Park Public Library (Website Time!)

The second website I chose to review is Oak Park Public Library's Kid's section. The opening page has large inviting letters and colored boxes with links in them. The Search link takes patrons to a place where they can look for books through Title, Author, or Subject terms. It also includes an online library card application form and information about applying in person at the branches. The Participate feature allows for patrons to view information Programs and Storytimes, as well as photos and a news letter. The Read section provides access to various Reading Lists, Awards, and New Items to the collection as well as giving advice on how to Raise a Reader. The Play link leads to a list of websites and links that give access to free online games for kids. Study leads to a list of homework help websites and links as well as another search engine for the OPPL's catalog. Finally, the Ask link leads to FAQs about the Kids section as well as the computers in the Kids section.

The site is well put together and is a good example of how simple can still mean useful even in a technologically advanced setting. Other nice features on the site are a section on the front page that alerts patrons to new features on the site such as when they update the new book section or the game links. There is also a consistent link at the top of each page that connects to each other section. Each of those connections is distinguishable through both text and color and makes it easy for computer using patrons of any age to find their way through the site.

All in all, the combination of user friendliness and consistent design makes the site a good tool for citizens of Oak Park to find out about books, programs, and connections online. The site gives access to the library catalog for those who cannot make it into the branch as well as being a tool that patrons and librarians alike can reference to aid one another in finding materials.

Giving patrons a resource that will help them be more connected with the library's services and resources is a good way to ensure that patrons continue to support the library in the future. Without a portal to the public that lets those outside the library's doors know what there is to do, fewer people would make their way into the building. Oak Park's site is a good example of using a tool to create positive advertising as well as providing patrons with a resource.