School and Library Websites

The Internet has become an integral part of information and communication in schools and libraries. Many teachers and librarians, as well as, students and community members are involved with developing websites and resources for the web.

The best way to learn about school and library websites is to do some exploring. If you're looking for library websites to explore, try the LibWeb or Lib-Web-Cats.

Many organizations now give special awards for quality websites. For example, the Arizona Technology in Education Alliance gives website awards each year. Check out some of their past winners: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001. Read about and examine the criteria and rubrics they use to evaluate websites.

As you examine school, classroom, and library websites, keep in the mind website's mission. Is the goal to simply duplicate print resources or actively engage learners and patrons in the world of ideas, activities, and information.

Go to A Different Place. This website by Nancy Bosch provides wonderful resources for kids, teachers, parents, and others interested in differentiated activities across content areas. Rather than a traditional classroom or center page, this resource-rich site even involves young people. Check out the student blogging area.

Read the article The Digital School Library: A World-wide Development and a Fascinating Challenge by David Loertscher in Teacher Librarian (Volume 30, Number 5, June 2003). Is this the type of library you envision? What role do school and library websites play in your vision?

Read about the different types of school and library websites and pages: School Websites, Classroom and Teacher Web Pages, School Magazines and Newspapers, Project Pages, Student Pages, Library, Media, and Technology Web Pages, Public Library Websites, Academic Library Websites, and Special Library Websites.