Designing Websites on Weebly and Wix

Thinking about which Web hosting service is superior Weebly.com or Wix.com. Both are cloud-based web development platform that allows users to create html 5 websites and mobile sites, through the use of online "Drag & Drop" tools. Users can add functionalities such as social plug-ins, eCommerce, contact forms, email marketing, and community forums to their websites.

Wix.com provides 100s of website templates, unfortunately there is no library template as of yet. As you can see in this example below most of the page is already designed. All that is required of the user is to insert writing in to the text place holders and to hyperlink the social media icons to (in this case facebook, twitter and google plus) related websites.



The downside to the prefabricated templates is that they are very difficult to redesign. It is much easier to just build a web site in Weebly.com from scratch. In Weebly.com I can remove an element without it affecting other elements around it. For example, if I choose to delete an image, I won't be left with a hole in the middle of the page. The block of text below will move up as the page realigns itself. This is important because I want to experiment with design as a relative newcomer without the webpage collapsing in on itself. I find with Wix.com that some elements can overlap each other and become quickly messy.
So far I'm happy with Weebly.com and will continue using it for Comp Task 3.

Competency Task 3

Here is my link to my completed Web Site for Comp Task 3

http://testpublish.weebly.com/ 

Specifications: CMS should allow for text, images, hyperlinks, customisable html elements, navigation headings, drop down menus, online submission forms, maps, dividers, columns, search boxes, buttons, multimedia elements such as video, audio, flash, documents, social icons, surveys, forums, bookings and rsvp forms.
Weebly allows for all this while hosting the website for free.


Your third competency task is to create a small website using a popular Content Management System (CMS) such as Joomla, Dreamweaver or Serif. Your website must be designed to be used by a mythical small school library.
You will need to complete a list of specifications for your website to outline what kinds or requirements your target audience or users will have for the website in terms of design, display, content and interoperability.
Build your website to meet these specifications. It is anticipated your site will be a minimum of six pages.
Link from your website to any other related services the library might use such as a blog or Twitter feed.
Test your website across at least three browsers to ensure it works well.
Add a page to your website to provide information about your specifications and testing.

Competency Task 2

Here is a link to my completed Web Site for Comp Task 2 

https://sites.google.com/site/mattsmythicalschoollibrary/homepage

Your second competency tasks will be to create a small website using the Google Sites software platform.
Google Sites allows you to create small structured websites with multiple pages in a hierarchical layout. Use my website https://sites.google.com/site/margieswebclass/ as an example.
You will need to create three main pages in your site to analyse the website of three different library services; one public library, one school library and one academic library.
For each library website provide:
A description of the website
Information about the hierarchical structure
Information about the Content Management System (CMS) used to create and maintain the website.
Information about any special requirements the organisation would have needed to take into consideration when they designed their website.

Why an organisation might use blogging software like Blogger or Wordpress to create a website.

Content Management System such as Blogger or Wordpress provide for most customer needs where a unique CMS is unnecessary. Customers don't need to know any programming code to begin, instead templates, layouts and widgets can be added by drop and drop mechanisms and simple menus, lowering the learning curve for any customer's management of their site while being feature rich, intuitive, and customizable. Both web hosting services employ multiple server server setups, strategically place around the world so that no matter where you are, the created website will load quickly. These services are reliable as well system maintenance is carried out by experts so the customer doesn't need to worry about computer software problems. As these services are provided by without cost, there is already a significant return on investment before any custom templating or other advanced development services are required.

The downside to building a library website this way is the limited set of applications the website can carry out. Libraries websites need features such as:
Sophisticated search tools to search their catalogue.
Large databases to store their catalogue.
Modules for online membership accounts including the ability to renew items, pay fines, place reservations.
Modules for interlibrary loans, the ability to access and communicate with national databases.
Modules for audiobook or other electronic downloads.
Integrated library management system application program interface.
Digital object management system application program interface.
The ability to interface with catalogue systems to keep up to date.
Most of these concern back of house systems that the library user does not need to be aware of in the display of library website but if a library cannot deliver proper services it is a failure.

Pros and cons of using free software platforms to build and host your website

The pros


A large range of builders

The best thing about trying to make your own site is that there are a variety of builders available. Many are very different from each other, so you are bound to find something that you feel comfortable using when it comes to making your own web page.

Using drag and drop icons instead of coding

You don't need to know any programming code to be able to start your own website. Everything is done though images so you can drop and place everything that you want.

User preview

You can see what your website will look like while you're building it. This makes it easier to see whether it is going to be user friendly and whether the colours you are choosing look good.
Including several applications on your website

You can integrate a number of different items with your website easily. This makes it easier when it comes to adding shopping carts or using widgets.

Online support system

If you do have problems with making your website, there will be support via email or through the online forums. There is usually someone around that will be able to answer your questions. There may also be questions that you know the answer to so that you can help someone else.

The cons


Some builders will be extremely limited which can put a limit to the design of your website. While this won't be a problem for those starting out, it can cause a big problem if you want to start your own website development business.

Some will come with a limited amount of templates and themes at a free cost. You can make your own but you will need to know some HTML coding for this.

Coding limitations

You will be limited to the code that you want to use. Most builders will not work with server-side programming, including Javascript and PHP. This puts web developers at a disadvantage. It really is just for those who want easy and quick websites.

Content quantity restrictions

Web builders are not great if you want to build a large website or integrate a lot. The builders can only handle so much.

Lack of collaboration between hosts and builders

Some web hosting sites do not work with some web builders.

Extra! Extra! (Some fun in coffee break)

Important features of any library's website

A library website is not a stand alone resource but an extension of the library experience. It should attract new members and be used as a promotional tool to encourage existing users to engage in the libraries range of services and events.

Design guidelines

• The website must adapt to a variety different formats including different browsers and different devices. 
• People expect a website to load in 3 seconds or less. 
• A user should find relevant information easily and be able to navigate to what they are looking for.
• Make sure the landing page and all other pages have only relevant information laid out in an intuitive way.

Library home page

• Library name, location and phone
• Library hours
• Join the library link
• Link to branch information
• Link to catalog
• Links to services, programs, calendar, and about the library
• Link to site map
• News and events
• Login to online borrowing account

About the library

• Contact information: name, address, phone number, fax number of the library
• Branch locations (if any) and contact information for the branches
• Library hours
• Borrowing information
• Fees and charges
• Key personnel and contact numbers and/or e-mail addresses
• Friends group officers, activities, and membership application
• Library mission statement
• Library policies (especially for library cards, loan periods, use of the meeting room, computer use, unattended children)
• Contact Us link and/or virtual suggestion box

Non-essential 'About the library' information 

• Annual report
• Long-range plan
• History of the library
• Library newsletter (if any)
• Volunteer information
• Images of the library

Programs and services

• Teacher services
• Recent immigrant services
• Small business owner services
• Job seeker services
• Childrens services
• YA/Teen services
• Literacy services and programs
• Disability services
• Classes/workshops 
• Calendar of events
• New book listings
• Staff recommendations listings
• Inter-library loan
• Computer reservations
• Copying services
• Tours
• Programs

Reference and research

• Link to library catalog
• Electronic resources
• Reference links
• Special collections
• Community links:
• City/Town government website
• Search engines and directories
• Local history page
• Genealogy page
• Connections to other libraries
• Ask a Librarian
• Instant Answers

3 software products libraries use for website creation and maintenance

Drupal

January 2001

Stable release

7.23 / 7 August 2013

Development status

Active

Written in

PHP

Operating system

Cross-platform

Size

11.4 MB (uncompressed core)

Available in

Multilingual

Type

Content management framework, Content management system

License

GPLv2 or later

Website: drupal.org

Drupal is a free and open-source content management framework written in PHP and distributed under the GNU General Public License. The standard release of Drupal, known as Drupal core, contains basic features common to content management systems. These include user account registration and maintenance, menu management, RSS feeds, page layout customization, and system administration.
There are more than 22,900 free community-contributed addons, known as contributed modules, available to alter and extend Drupal's core capabilities and add new features or customize Drupal's behavior and appearance. Because of this plug-in extensibility and modular design, Drupal is described as a content management framework and also a web application framework.

The New York Public Library Website was created by Drupal software.

Joomla!

Developer(s)

The Joomla Project Team

Initial release

17 August 2005

Stable release

2.5.13 / July 25, 2013

Preview release

3.1.4 / 25 July 2013; 17 days ago

Development status

Active

Written in

PHP

Operating system

Cross-platform

Size

7.6 MB (compressed) 20.9 MB (uncompressed)

Type

Content management framework

License

GNU General Public License

Website: www.joomla.org

Joomla is a free and open-source content management system written in PHP including features such as page caching, RSS feeds, printable versions of pages, news flashes, blogs, polls and search. It is estimated to be the second most used CMS on the Internet after WordPress.
There are five types of extensions for Joomla!: Templates, Components, Modules, Plugins, and Languages. Each of these extensions handles a specific function.
Like Blogger, template allows the user to alter the layout, design and structure of the site. There are many paid and free templates available on the internet.
Components: The largest and most complex extensions of them all; they can be seen as mini-applications.
Plugins: When an event is triggered, plugins that are registered with the application to handle that event execute. For example, a plugin could be used to block user-submitted articles and filter out bad words.
Modules: Rendering pages flexibly in Joomla requires a module extension, which is then linked to Joomla components to display new content or new images.
Language: Pretty explanatory, this extension allows a user to write their content in a different language.

The Paris Carnegie Public Library website was created by Joomla! software.

Wordpress

Developer(s)

WordPress Foundation

Initial release

May 27, 2003

Stable release

3.6 / August 1, 2013; 9 days ago

Preview release

3.6 RC 2 / July 24, 2013

Development status

Active

Operating system

Cross-platform

Platform

PHP

Type

Blog software

License

GNU GPLv2 (or later)

Website: wordpress.org

WordPress is a free and open source blogging tool and a content management system based on PHP. Features include a plug-in architecture and a template system. WordPress is currently the most popular blogging system being used on the Web.
One very popular feature of WordPress is its rich plugin architecture which allows users and developers to extend its abilities beyond the core installation. WordPress has a database of over 26,000 plugins, each of which offers custom functions and features enabling users to tailor their sites to their specific needs. These customizations range from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) enhancers to content displaying features, such as the addition of widgets and navigation bars.
Similar to Joomla! and blogger, Wordpress allows users to change the look and functionality of a site without altering the information content or structure of the site throught the use of it's web template system. Users can select a template provided by Wordpress or upload a folder via FTP.

The Dartmouth Public Libraries website was created by Wordpress software.

Five resources for creating library websites

Accessible design for library websites:

http://senna.sjsu.edu/lmain/isdaccess/home.html

Library User Experience – an excellent usability blog from the University of Virginia:

http://libraryux.wordpress.com/

Libsuccess.org section on website design:

http://libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Website_Design

Public library website guidelines from Rhode Island State Library: 

http://www.olis.ri.gov/pubs/plstandards/websites.php

ALA’s website wiki – resources as well as listing of award winning sites:
http://wikis.ala.org/professionaltips/index.php?title=Websites#Library_Website_Award_Winners

A Librarian's worth

5 websites of library related organisations

• Include an entry which points to the websites of at least 5 library related organisations. Tell us what you like about those websites and what you don't like about them.

This week the class discussed library related websites and which ones were the most impressive.
Websites were selected based on design, functionality, clarity, vibrancy, ease of navigation and dynamic page elements.

*The following are screen captures of the top 5 library related websites. Each image is hyperlinked to it's respective homepage by adding a href attribute into html which specifies the URL of the page the link goes to.

New York City Public Library

This website excels at promoting the library's new programs and events. The rich images attract the eye of the viewer while the short captions summarise points of interest quickly. Every image block is hyperlinked to an article giving further detail and explanation.

ALIA

ALIA presents it's information in a clean, minimalistic manner. Every clickable icon is quite big as well. It's an achievement for an organisation as large as ALIA which hosts a large amount of information on it's website to appear deceptively simple.

OCLC

Online Computer Library Center, Inc. is "a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world’s information and reducing information costs. The splash page consists of video and recent news. The scrolling slideshow of images also grabs instant attention. At the bottom of the page are contact details, newsletters, OCLC's online social media links, forms for subscriptions, sign up sheets for upcoming events and information about staff are located here too. The overall impression is that the site is focused on making direct involvement and communication between users easy. 

Libraries Australia

Libraries Australia is a resource sharing service managed by the National Library of Australia for Australian libraries and their users. Its key missions are to support the workflows of Australian libraries and provide data to underpin the Trove discovery service. The Libraries Australia service which provides access to a database showing what items are available in over 850 Australian libraries. The free service is available to any internet user. It has a simple search mechanism which confirms whether an item is held in Australian libraries. If it is available in Australia, you can find out which libraries hold it and what their address is. With that information, you can approach the library directly or ask your local library to arrange an interlibrary loan or obtain photocopies for you. Libraries Australia has made workflows efficient by standardising the online documents needed. The home page is where the user can find tutorials on how to get started. Libraries Australia does a good job of training and support for it's services.

CAVAL

CAVAL is a member-based organisation anticipating, offering and developing services in partnership with university libraries to support the integration and access of information resources for teaching, learning and research. CAVAL aims to achieve this by working in the context of a digital environment.
CAVAL doesn't make this obvious on it's home page. CAVAL should make it more obvious that it is focused on services for University libraries. A sign of bad Web design is that important information is buried within the website. In this case a mission statement on the home page would have been more appropriate to orientate first time users to the value of the site.

Social Media Favourites

Hi everyone,

Today class discussed our favourite social media platforms on the World Wide Web. Social media refers to the means of interactions among people in which they create, share, and exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Andreas Kaplan and Michael Haenlein define social media as "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content." According to this definition You-Tube is my favourite social media platform. User generated content may be supplied in the form of video-blogs, music videos, short films, educational material. Users have the ability to upload, view and share videos to the website. Users may create a free account and upload material to their channel on a regular basis, providing an excellent platform to participate in the world of social media. Networks can be created by subscribing to other user's channels. Channels in your network might include a cooking series, a mechanic's how-to guide, a movie or music review show, a comedy sketch show, a series of educational lectures or a video blog documenting an adventurous overseas traveller. The free exchange of information is conducive to an egalitarian environment where people can find open articulate expression (see video below).