Library Related Websites

Today we had a group discussion about our favourite library related websites, and here is a short list of some of them:

ALIA
CAVAL
Libraries Australia
National Library of Australia
New York Public Library
OCLC
SLAV
State Library of Victoria

For the first competency task in Create Web Pages class we are required to talk about why we like some, or all, or five of these sites.
So.

1 - ALIA - I like this website because I find it to be super user friendly, and I like the bubbly 'web 2.0' feel. As for functionality, they provide clear links to other sites and to a variety of social media platforms. I like ALIA because it makes me feel like a real librarian, haha. I don't like that ALIA costs so much to join, and I don't like that a lot of the website content is hidden from non members, but I think it does a great service.

2 - CAVAL - The CAVAL website is similar to the ALIA site, very clean and neat, attractive. The colours aren't as bright, and I don't like brown, but I still think its great!

3 - Hobsons Bay Libraries - This website has been my 'go to' for a number of assignments, and I've found time and time again that the information provided is clear and relevant, easy to locate, the website is well designed and attractive, great colours, handy widgets that list upcoming events or special features and they have cute little social media buttons at the top of the site. As a lib studies girl I sometimes find that the information provided isn't as specific as I might need, but I think it serves its purpose admirably.

4 - Libraries Australia - This website is great, and we've all needed to rely on the resource a number of times during this course. I think the trap with library and academic websites is that the content can at times be rather dry, and often there is not much design work done to engage the user, because it's there as a tool. But that doesn't mean that is has to look dull. Libraries Australia is very conservative but I find it quite pleasant, and of course the database is fantastic!

5 - State Library of Victoria - Of course I'd have to list this as a great website, it's the state library hub, providing access to a plethora of social media platforms and listing some great information, both current and relevant. I think it is the plainest website of all the ones I've talked about, and I think it could be redesigned a little better, but it is very slick and polished.

:)