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