Website Design and Development

Request for Proposal Website Design and Development Marion Public Library

Description

The Marion Public Library is accepting proposals to design a new website for the library. The Library’s current website (www.marionpubliclibrary.org) was built using a custom content management system that does not allow library staff to add new pages or change navigation items. The new website will use the open-source Drupal 7 content management system to allow for additional flexibility, but the basic organization and most of the content of the current website will be retained. Because the site will be maintained by staff with differing levels of website experience, all custom modules must be as easy to use as the core Drupal platform.

All proposals must be based on using the Drupal platform and encompass the interface design, theming, and development of the site, as well as the creation of any custom modules that are required to meet the Library’s needs as described below.

Project Requirements

Accessibility

 The Marion Public Library serves all the citizens of Marion, with all levels of website experience. The new design will be easy to use for both experienced and inexperienced web users and not require any plug-ins (e.g., Flash) for basic functionality.

 The website will meet ADA requirements as adopted by the Federal Access Board under section 508 subsection 1194.22 of the Rehabilitation Act.

 The website must be built in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 provided by the W3C.

 The website’s theme will be responsive, allowing users with mobile devices to use the full functionality of the site.

Appearance and Navigation

 The site must be visually appealing to a wide range of users. The design must be consistent throughout.

1  The navigation must be clear to both experienced and inexperienced web users. Navigation to the home page must exist on every page, and main navigation items should always be visible. In addition, information such as the library’s hours and contact information should always be visible. Included in this information are a search box that links to the library’s catalog and a link to the user’s library account login.

 The staff interface must also be easy to navigate. Tools to make updating content easier should be provided, such as file uploading and image editing modules. Google Analytics should be integrated into the site.

Functionality

 Events Calendar – The calendar module should have the following features: o Easily updateable by staff, with allowance for repeatable, recurring events o The ability to color-code and filter events by sub-categories (i.e. Adults, Teens, and Children’s Events) o Each sub-category of events should have an RSS feed, as well as a feed for all events o Different sections of the website should have their own list of Featured Events (selected by staff) from the filtered results (i.e. Featured Teens events on the Teens home page). o The calendar must be searchable, with results coming only from the calendar and not from a general site search.

 Online Resources – Graphical links to the library’s online resources should be displayed in a way that allows users to view all resources or to filter by category (e.g., genealogical resources). Adding, rearranging, and categorizing additional links should be easily done from the staff interface. Please refer to the current Online Resources page for a possible layout: https://www.marionpubliclibrary.org/#/online-resources.

 Slideshow Modules – The main home page, as well as the home pages of the Adults, Teens, and Children’s sections, should have the ability to show a built-in slideshow of graphics promoting upcoming programs as well as slideshows promoting featured books (which will be linked to the library’s catalog). Please refer to the current Featured Materials page for the concept: https://www.marionpubliclibrary.org/#/featured-materials.

 Social Media Integration – The library has two Facebook accounts and two Twitter accounts which are updated frequently. A module should be provided to allow the option of displaying these feeds (separately) in a sidebar (i.e. the Teen Facebook page items on the Teens home page). It should also be possible to show event photos from the Facebook albums.

2  Forms – The current site has a Stay Informed newsletter sign-up form that is simply connected to our Constant Contact newsletter sign-up page. The current site also has four contact forms: Comments/Questions, Ask a Librarian, Interlibrary Loan, and Suggest Material. The fields in these forms will remain the same for the present. The ability to easily change and add forms should be part of the staff interface.

 An automatic database backup module must be provided.

If custom modules are created, the proposal should address how the modules will be supported in the future, including updates to the modules themselves and compliance with future major version upgrades of Drupal.

Hosting and domain services will be arranged by the Library. Content, including graphics (other than those integral to the design of the theme), will be created and populated by the Library.

Required Information

 Submit the URLs of five web sites that best reflect your work and relevancy to this project.

 Describe your experience in producing sites for non-profit and/or community-focused projects.

 Provide current reference information for three former or current clients.

 Provide a realistic estimate for completion. Time frames will be part of the contractual agreement.

 If your bid is accepted, the library will expect you to provide at least two design options. The price you quote should be inclusive. If your price excludes certain fees or charges, you must provide a detailed list of excluded fees with a complete explanation of the nature of those fees.

 If the execution of work requires the hiring of sub-contractors you must clearly state this in your proposal. Sub-contractors must be identified and the work they will perform must be defined.

 Once the web site has been completed and accepted by the Marion Public Library, the web site design and all of its contents, software, and architecture become property of the Marion Public Library (excluding open-source software).

3 Timeline

 Proposals must be received in electronic format by February 25. Proposals received after that date will not be considered.

Submit proposals by email to:

Cressant Swarts Young Adult/Web Services Program Coordinator Marion Public Library [email protected]