Shawnee Mission School District Media Library A Project Proposal By: Anita Able, Christian Madrigal, Jennifer Nicolotti, and Cynthia Sickendick

Project Description Design a website for the Shawnee Mission School District Media Library. The Media Library serves as a centralized resource, providing educational videos, DVDs, and related materials to teachers and administrative staff throughout the school district.

Project Description Basic information about the library is provided through the Instructional Media link, but it could benefit from a more visible presence on the website, where additional services can be promoted.

Client Information and Needs Client Anita Able is responsible for the Media Library and all of its related functions. In addition to the day-to-day operations of the library, Anita provides reference services and plans to provide a curriculum-based video/media resources wiki. Professional development materials are also available. The website will serve as a platform for promotion of these services.

Client Information and Needs Main purpose To communicate the presence as well as the services offered by the Media Library, while allowing room to update, expand, and promote educational offerings.

Client Information and Needs Client’s Priorities 1. Promote awareness of the library and services offered 2. Provide a more visible and convenient means of accessing media resources 3. Create a video/media resources wiki

Client Information and Needs Maintenance of the Web site Client will be responsible, with support from group members.

Users of Website Teachers and Administrators  Educational level--College educated  Computer skills—average to high (all have access to district computers and system support)  Web skills-basic to high  Needs—curricular support, planning  Motivation—additional resources, additional background information, staff development

Interview questions A questionnaire was sent out to as many teachers and administrators as was possible to get feed back about what they would like to see on the website. Here are some of the questions asked.

Interview questions 1. Are you aware of the Media Library and/or its services? 2. Do you use the Media Library? How often? 3. If you do not use the library, why not? 4. What information would you like to see on a Media Library website?

Interview questions 1. Where would you expect to find information about the Media Library (where should it be located within the District website)? 2. What type of features would make it easy to use? How should it be arranged? 3. What could be done to call attention to the website? 4. Do you have any suggestions for materials you would like to have available through the Media Library?

Responses to questionnaire Few people are aware of what the Media Library is and/or what resources are available through it. Most of those who do use the library, only do so 1-4 times a year. Need more PR! Many have trouble finding it within the district webpage.

Responses to questionnaire Many do not know how to use the library or find the procedures difficult to understand Definite need for more visibility and accessibility—several comments that the brightly colored surveys helped to call attention to the Library (i.e. visual appeal gets attention Many suggestions to provide listings of materials by grade and subject matter. This is what is planned for the video/media resources wiki.

Responses to questionnaire Many requests for a continuously updated “New items” list- RSS feed will address this. Many teachers do their planning from home (i.e. the website needs to work in browsers other than Internet Explorer) Keep it simple and easy to use

Responses and Webpage We have evaluated the responses given by the users, and have chosen to incorporate several of their suggestions into the design of the webpage. RSS feed of new items catalogued. Clear, easy to read page with no need to “hunt down” what you are looking for.

Responses and Webpage Add a link to a wiki for video and media resources. Make the webpage brightly colored and attractive to call attention to it. Make the page seem like an extension of the district pages for a seamless transition for newcomers.

Shawnee Mission School District Website Shawnee Mission School District Media Library Center Website Help About Catalog Resources Home Librarian Power Media Plus Theatre in Video Video/Media Resources Wiki Learn 360 Reserve Materials How to Use the Library Useful Links

Timeline September 13 – interviewed client September 24 – sent out 1500 surveys September 27 – group meeting at Anita’s house October 6 – evaluated surveys October 8 – shared information from surveys with group

Timeline October 12 – final preparation of the prototype October 15 – submit proposal to Dr. Tang October 15 – November 13 – continue to develop website; incorporate any feedback from Dr. Tang; incorporate client feedback; begin writing report…. Meeting at Anita’s house Nov. 9 th for revisions November – present on-going project to the class

Timeline November 15 - December 8 – incorporate class and professor feedback into final website December 8 – post website; submit written report Following December 8 – incorporate any feedback from the class or Dr. Tang, to improve the website, pending client approval….