INFOTECH catalog and pathfinders. For instance, you can connect your Lib- Guides data with your Drupal site through exporting and importing XML documents. Library-oriented com- Riding the panies like Springshare are pro- viding ways to improve the online experience for library users by building connections among data sets and tools. In many cases, CMSs have useful tools for libraries that aren't Winds of apparent on the surface. For instance, if your school's accept- able use policy doesn't allow the use of social media sites such as GoodReads or LibraryThing Change: for online book clubs, see if you can set up a threaded discussion area in your CMS. It may take a couple extra steps to get into the system, but you can still accom- New Directions for plish the same goals. Many of these large-scale systems also allow the creation of databases. For instance, you could create a local history digital Libraries and Web image collection or student-produced e-book collection that could be accessed anywhere, anytime. The School Library System of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership used Drupal to build Development Tools WeBooks , a database to easily access their shared e-book collections. The Ann Arbor District Library Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson used their CMS to create a digital recipe project. Work with your IT people to explore the possibilities. Cush- ing Academy is an example of a rom the mobile web to the so- school library that used Drupal to create their library website. If you're in charge of your library website and you're ready for cial web, teacher librarians are a change, consider a shift to an easy-to-use content management Fbombarded with a whirlwind of system. WordPress is a popular choice. technology options and opportunities. Although WordPress is often associated with blogging, it can also Our e-mail boxes are filled with webi- be used to create individual web pages along with blogs, multi- media, and other elements. The WYSIWYG editor is intuitive and nar advertisements touting the latest quick to learn. An endless array of themes and plug-ins make en- and greatest web development tools for hancements and expansion easy. school libraries. The Castilleja School Library uses WordPress for their school library website. The Dixie Gram- What do you and your students reaily need to know about the next mar School Library uses a combi- generation of web development tools? Does everyone need to learn nation of WordPress and LibGuides to provide a web presence and HTML5, CSS3, and computer programming skills? resources for students. Let's explore a few of the most common approaches to web de- Of course, WordPress is only one of the many web develop- velopment and consider what's practical for today's busy librarian. ment tools available to librarians. For instance, Weebly is also a popular choice of school libraries. The CONTENT MANAOEMENT SYSTEMS Collins Hill High School Media Center uses Weebly as a tool for both individual web pages Most schools have shifted to content management systems (CMSs) and a book blog. Although less powerful than WordPress, Weebly for their website presence and information administration needs. is a great choice for beginners. A content management system is a computer program that allows users to create, edit, and publish content in a collaborative web HTML5, OSS3, AND MORE environment. While many schools use open-source options such as Dru- With all these great content-management tools available, you may pal , others have purchased large-scale tools wonder if learning HTML and creating your own web pages is still that also include school-specific features, such as student records. necessary. Keep in mind that content management systems still Some CMSs allow access with such library data as your online have roots in programming. Basic skills come in handy whether
