Library launches new website

The page can be viewed at www.westlib.org or by visiting the library section on the City of Westmount page at www.westmount.org

The new site replaces a site that has served the Library since 1998. In addition to sharing the familiar look and feel of the City of Westmount site, the Library's new site offers the following features: • True navigation so that anyone using the site knows exactly where they are at all times • RSS feeds for events, new titles, and Library news • A search box, making it easy to search for books, DVDs, music (etc.) in the Library collection • New sections designed for teens (AdosTeens) and kids (JeunesKids). • A new book of the day, everyday, featured on adult, teen, and children's pages. • Online tools for book club members "When the Library site launched in 1998, the Westmount Public Library was among the first libraries in the province to have its own site," said Library Director Ann Moffat. "After a decade of technological advances, the knowledge we now have about how people use the Internet, and an ear to what Westmounters were asking for, it was definitely time to take advantage of these insights."

Headed by Online Services and Archives Librarian Lora Baiocco, this project reflects the efforts of a large team of contributors. Harry Hekimian, president of Malopan Communications, and his team, in collaboration with the Information Technologies department of the City of Westmount, worked on the programming, graphics, and technical aspects from start to finish. Graphic designer Naira Santana applied style to the kids and teen pages. The City's communications department laid the groundwork for the look and feel of the adult portion of the site, and citizen beta testers and staff helped shape the site through various versions. "A website is never truly finished" says Baiocco. "Staff is great about communicating improvements that citizens suggest. We're looking forward to the comments and suggestions that the new site will generate."

In the coming months, the website will develop and grow. The Library will also be offering classes for the public on how to use RSS technology featured on the new site.