WLA Web Proposal

WLA Board Meeting, April 11, 1997
Prepared by the Publications Ad Hoc Subcommittee on the WLA Web
Reviewed and revised by WLA Publications Committee
March 7, 1997

Publications Ad Hoc Sub-Committee on the WLA Web:
Peter Gilbert, Barb Kelly, Nancy McClements

  1. Presence & Vendor
    WLA should have a web site as soon as possible. Although WILS would be a stable, reliable vendor, their proposed start-up cost of $2500-$3000 and maintenance cost of $1200/year seem high to us. A free site for a one-year trial is preferable.

  2. Trial Site
    A one-year trial will give WLA the opportunity to better estimate time requirements and possible costs. After the trial, a decision should be made whether or not to turn the site over to WILS or if the Webmaster model would be more appropriate. At that time, the position of Webmaster/Webmistress would be reviewed, the current Webmaster would be considered for continuation of the job, and the position would be evaluated as a possible paid position.

    The trial would work as follows:

    1. A Webmaster, Paul Onufrak, will design and write the home page and main supporting pages. He will first submit a variety of designs to provide the WLA Board with a range of possible color schemes, graphics, etc. One possible design scheme, by Peter Gilbert, is available at: http://www.lawrence.edu/fac/gilbertp/wla/wlahome.html

    2. The Webmaster will mount the WLA pages on the Eastern Shores Library System server.

    3. The Publications Ad-Hoc Subcommittee on the WLA Web will act as a review board for the Webmaster.

    4. The Webmaster will keep track of approximate hours spent on the site, both development and maintenance time. He will also note any costs that may occur. (It is expected that costs would be minimal, if any.)

  3. WLA Webmaster/Webmistress
    Note: This position is necessary whether or not an outside vendor is hired.

    The Webmaster/Webmistress will deal with issues of content and units' adherence to guidelines. This person should:

    1. be on the Publications Committee

    2. be selected as Webmaster (not just someone who happens to be on the Publications Committee)

    3. be knowledgeable about Web techniques and HTML standards

    4. have easy access to technology for receiving and sending web files

    5. be available for a long-term commitment (similar to WLA Newsletter editor).

  4. WLA Content
    A draft of possible content for the WLA web site is attached. It would be up to the Webmaster/Webmistress to make decisions on future inclusions/exclusions. Guidelines for the WLA pages will be based on the guidelines for Committees and Units (see #5) and will be drafted by the Webmaster/Webmistress.

  5. Committee and Unit Content
    In addition to information about WLA, the web site should also have basic information on WLA Committes and Units or a link to their own sites. See handout, "Guidelines for Committee and Unit participation in the WLA Web Site." Also available at: http://www.lawrence.edu/fac/gilbertp/wla/unitweb.html

March 17, 1997