Initial Impact
The Library @Casis
http://www.austinschools.org/casis/library/lac/index.htm
Austin, Texas, USA
Elementary School Website
Tested using Internet Explorer 5.5
September 25, 2004
When visiting the Library @Casis homepage for the first time, the viewer notices the clean, simple design and layout of the page. What strikes the user is the information presented, not a flashy design or distracting color scheme. This would be especially appropriate for students with disabilities, making the page very accessible. There are no distracting graphics, rather, there is a photograph of actual students looking at a book display. The homepage is divided into sections with navigational links across the top of the page. All navigational links functioned properly. Features to note:
- Contact Information
- Contact information for the librarian, school, and school corporation is readily apparent and located at the top and bottom of the page.
- Mission Statement
- The library mission statement is prominently displayed.
- Monthly Highlights
- At the top of the page a section is devoted to the month's library activities, events, and links to seasonal websites. This shows the librarian is continually updating and keeping her site relevant. As I am writing this review, the librarian is working and updating this section.
- Find It @your Library
- This section contains links to the Casis library catalog, online encyclopedias, subscription databases, and web sites. Students needing to find information for a school or personal interest project would be wise to visit this site as a portal to starting research.
- Library Programs and Activities for Casis Kids
- Highlighted in this section are numerous library sponsored activities and student work. One link takes the user to the Book Club page. This page invites students to attend a book discussion and displays the book to be discussed. Another feature in this section is the Book Bug's Best program where students download a book review form to be submitted to Miss Campbell for inclusion in the book review list. Other features to note include: Texas Bluebonnet Award Program, Poetry by Casis - a page featuring links to poetry written by Casis Elementary School students, Characters with Character Hall of Honor, and Library Squad. Be sure to check out these links. They are programs any school media specialist would want to implement in her school.
The librarian, Miss Campbell, has also included a section with her lists and favorites. Instead of using clipart, she has included a photograph of herself when she was elementary school age. Children love to see pictures of adults as children. This demonstrates Miss Campbell's ability to relate well to children.
These exciting programs featured on the homepage made me wish my children were in the Casis Elementary School district!
Take a few minutes to visit the Library @Casis home page by clicking here. If you are like me, you'll be taking notes and thinking of how you can incorporate some of the features into your own media center web pages.
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Send comments to Janette Fluharty, website developer and IUPUI MLS student. Page created in 9/04.