Initial Draft - Virtual Library Project - Derry Local Information

My virtual library project is to create a supplemental reference resource for the public library where I work. Its purpose will be to provide both staff and local patrons with an alternative source for local information. The Derry Public Library already has a website, so the project I envision will be a pilot for eventual inclusion in that site. It will have three components:

• alphabetical listing of key local organizations with brief descriptions and contact information
• alphabetical listing of links to websites of local interest
• a page describing the library's New Hampshire Room, including a list of resources it contains and some digital examples of materials.

In the context of this class I will be working alone. However, I will be collaborating at the library with four other reference librarians, as well as our webmaster. This will give me access to expertise as I create and evaluate the content of Derry Local Information, and develop the design and code. It will also prepare me to maintain and expand my project once it is incorporated into the library's website.

We manage our website ourselves, so all the design work, coding and maintenance will take place in-house. Our webmaster would very much like to create a committee to work on and maintain our site, so she is eager to work with me on this project. It is also prudent for the library to promote cross-training and cooperative projects.

I will be doing my research from the Reference Desk. We have a variety of resources - a proverbial box of handwritten 5X7 cards, various pamphlets, booklets and flyers, and a list of local web links. Everyone is enthusiastic about consolidating and organizing these resources for quicker and more consistent retrieval. This is a worthwhile effort because we frequently need to access this information.

The Derry Public Library already has web policies in place, but I will be reviewing them and making suggestions for change if it seems prudent. I will also be conscious of copyright laws while I create content for the New Hampshire Room page, particularly concerning digital images. At this time our site does not require or collect any personal information, so privacy concerns are not pertinent.

There is so much local information available, I do not expect to incorporate all of it now. Rather, I will select information which is requested most frequently, readily available, and easily up-dated. For the New Hampshire Room page, I will include a general description of our resources and an explanation of the library policies regarding their use.

My timetable for Derry Local Information is:

• June 14: select which types of information to include and outline NH Room resources
• June 28: finish looking at all the 3X5 cards and evaluating websites for inclusion
• July 12: finish the design, coding and digital photography
• July 20: submit the assignment for evaluation

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