CHICAGO — More than just an easy-to-use blogging platform, WordPress is in fact a flexible, open source content management system, making it ideal for many libraries’ websites. “The Comparative Guide to WordPress in Libraries: A LITA Guide,” published by ALA TechSource, introduces the basic principles of WordPress and then shows how to implement them. User Experience (UX) librarian and seasoned WordPress instructor Amanda L. Goodman leads readers step by step through the basic planning process for a library website that meets users’ needs and fits an institution’s available resources for maintaining it. Written with the questions of library administrators and technology staff in mind, this guide shows:
- how to make an informed decision about whether WordPress is the right platform for a library’s needs;
- options for hosted and self-hosted platforms;
- Nearly two dozen WordPress sites, drawn from a wide range of different libraries and organizations;
- how to choose the best WordPress theme for the website’s content;
- succinct explanations of every element in the Administrative Dashboard with advice on library applications;
- quick tips on user experience, information architecture and analytics;
- effective ways to use images, audio and video.
Goodman is the user experience librarian at Darien (Conn.) Library, where her projects have included redesigning the library’s website, creating marketing materials and co-managing adult technology education classes. As an MLIS student, she redesigned the Library and Information Studies’ website at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro using WordPress. It became a model for other UNCG departments’ websites. She blogs about her work at A Ghost of Daisies.
The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), a division of ALA, educates, serves and reaches out to its members, other ALA members and divisions, and the entire library and information community through its publications, programs and other activities designed to promote, develop, and aid in the implementation of library and information technology.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.
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"The Comparative Guide to WordPress in Libraries: A LITA Guide"
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