Phoenix Public Library

The University of Texas Information Architecture GroupOLS03

The home page offers 9 links:

--Just under the title is a link to the Spanish version of the site. The design is exactly like the design of the English version.

--On the top left side there is a "search" button that leads to a search engine for the city of Phoenix web site (although you don't know that until you click on it).

The rest of the links are in list style with brief explanations underneath.

--The first is general library information (getting a card, hours, locations, library history, and news about the Special Needs Center, a service dedicated to serving users with disabilities. Note: none of the branches have separate pages.

--The second link leads to "What's New in the Libraries" which lists closure schedule for 2000, a community calendar of events (searchable), library job openings (which actually leads to the city employment page), and information about library tours.

--Here's where it gets weird: the third link (entitled "Online Library Catalog and Resources") leads to a graphics-heavy secondary library site with much the same information as the original site (the original site is actually entitled "Libraries and Information Services"). This is of course the entry way to the catalog, but I had a hard time accessing this site later on. A good example of what not to do. (Incidentally, I found a third library site at

--The fourth link is the "Information Connection," a collection of Internet links put together by the library staff. Traditional stuff--genealogy, sports, science, business, consumer, etc. but also foundation and grants information. Their Internet use policy statement is interesting, also ("The following links will take you to sites over which the city of Phoenix has no control. The city assumes no responsibility for the content of the material contained at those sites or for the accuracy of any information that is found there. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the city does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the city of Phoenix, its officials, agents or employees.")

--The fifth link is entitled "Kids and Teens". Again, mostly standard links: homework help; entertainment; animals; books; careers, colleges and financial aid; and parent/teacher resources. Also, there is a special link for a reading list on water conservation and water science. This page has links leading back to city recreation and youth and educational programs.

--Sixth, the "Community Information" link, leading to a page of links to Phoenix area libraries, Arizona sites, education, employment, government, neighborhoods, and organizations and non-profits.

--Lastly, a link at the bottom of the home page leads to the main city of Phoenix site.

When I finally got to the other library site, which was much more graphic-heavy, most led to general library information or the catalog, but several links caught my eye.

--There was another kids' page, called the "Kid's Catalog Web"--glutted with graphics (69 items to download).

--"Databases and websites"--pretty much the same as the "Information Connection" link.

-- "Teen Central"--also graphics heavy, with helpful homework sites, a teen 'zine, information on the Library Teen Council, information on the "teen area" to be constructed in the central library, a teen issues page and a hobbies and interests page, both with external links. Also a link to book recommendations. Note: unlike the rest of the library site, there is no Spanish language version of Teen Central or the kids page.

The catalog page has a main catalog search, advanced search, Internet search page with external links, a page with links to other libraries, and engines to renew materials and for patrons to review their library cards (see what's checked out to them).