Public Library Website Evaluation:Content

Content Review

The Denver Public Library website offers comprehensive library services "online", allowing patrons to "chat" with a librarian, search through online catalogs, apply for a library card, or learn about their community and history. Specific "online" features are available, as well as detailed pages for kids, teens, and Hispanic audiences.

Quality Features

PURPOSE & INTENT

DPL's purpose and intent is clear, given that it is located within one of the largest technology sectors in the country, and operates through not only taxes, but through the active fundraising of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. With its exhaustive state and federal holdings, it's authority demonstrates a close connection to government and industry. It would be valuable,however, to observe the experiences of a "common citizen" within the libraries.

The Denver Public Library is governed by an eight-member board appointed by the mayor of Denver. Collections and resources incorporate not only the holdings of DPL, but access is also granted to 16 other Colorado libraries.These facts should ensure that patrons are given the opportunity to evaluate a broad range of resources, under the authority of different libraries and managment teams.

DEPTH & BREADTH

Through the Denver Public Library website, patrons have unfettered access to many of the libraries key resources. Some of these resources which are included on their website are:

Online catalogs accessible with a valid Library Card including DPL, Prospector(16 statewide libraries), WorldCat, Library of Congress, LibDex, Public Libraries.com and nearly 100 additional databases including Academic Search Premier
Locations & Hours includes detailed information and links to the 22 libraries with updated information
History & Genealogy provides links to other websites, as well as cataloging some of the libraries art and history treasures
Readers, Movies & Music Connections allow patrons to get recommendations, links to purchase materials online through Amazon, borrow titles through Interlibrary loan, or request titles to be added to the collections

SPECIAL FEATURES

The Denver Public Library also provides several specialized features via the web.

Specialized kids page in color & organization appealing to youths, with Kids Reader's Connection, games, and specialty school pages
"Smarty Pants" - Online chat and reference requests with a librarian
Recommendations for 'family-friendly" web browsers & websites
Online renewal of books & resources
Online reservations of meeting rooms
FAQ on how to use the online catalog search, how to get a library card & a multitude of subjects
"NoveList" - a service for patrons to save a database of their own sources, favorites or research

OBSERVATIONS

Information seems to be well organized with easily-understood labels,and the breadth is not overly intimidating. Many of the resources commonly found in the "brick and mortar" library are available online. The structure and organization are fairly intuitive, and provide additional links for assistance when needed, without bogging down the primary content screens.

The lack of personal language or interesting graphics at times made the site feel somewhat "cold", but this same attribute kept the site from being cluttered with opinions or marketing language. Definitions and explanations were brief,links to outside resources were provided, and the language and organization made this site very welcoming for a variety of audiences. This site could easily be used to write an 8th grade term paper, or assist in a biotech research report.

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