Certain design principals have held true for decades though, unfortunately, it's taken time for web design to catch up to the principals. Our designers specialize in branding, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design. Extensive research and education is performed on an ongoing basis ensuring that the LibWeb flex theme meets up to date UI/UX design standards.

A theme is the 'look & feel' of the website design. The layout, typography, colors and UI/UX components. LibWeb is a flex theme which means the design is flexible and can be customized to work well with the branding of a library. The best way to see what is customizable is to schedule a demo.

The logo is a critical component to the design of a website. It establishes the voice of the site as well as the color and typography. If a logo is too complicated or poorly designed, it's difficult to have an effective design. Our designers are experienced branding specialists with a tried and true redesign process. Redesigning or refreshing a logo can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of a site.

LibWeb includes a Responsive Web Design that is optimized for mobile devices. This means the design adapts to different sizes of displays and screen resolutions keeping the optimal UI/UX design. We also offer a more advanced mobile app version for libraries looking to further extend mobile capabilities.

A Mega Menu is navigation that drops down from the primary nav bar and displays multiple columns of text. It makes it easier for someone to see all the different pages in that section of the website. This improves useability and is an information architecture best practice. The Mega Menus we include are dynamic, which means when you add or delete a page it automatically updates the mega menu. Note: Mega Menus are only displayed on desktop, mobile devices use a different menu display.

ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act, section 508 accessibility guidelines for those with disabilities. All federal, state, and municipal agencies are required to meet ADA website compliance. The present standard is called WCAG 2.2 and there are 3 levels - A, AA, and AAA. LibWeb includes ADA compliance (AA) with the caveat that some of the content may need updating for the site to be fully compliant e.g. an image may need a tag that describes what the image is for the visually impaired. LibWeb includes an audit of content before a site is launched flagging any content that needs updating.

Patrons love seeing photographs and videos. LibWeb makes it easy to add a photo or video gallery that is easy to update. We recommend using YouTube to post videos to and then display them on the website. The benefits of YouTube are easy uploading, advanced compression, easy integration, and increased visibility on the second largest search engine (YouTube). Creating a YouTube channel is not only easy, but it builds an online community for your library. Patrons can watch, subscribe, and comment on your videos. The Google for NonProfits program also promotes videos on YouTube and can help with your Friends of the Library capital campaigns.

A “Library of Things” feature integrates with a library's ILS system. It dynamically displays objects in the ILS catalog on the website similarly to how book covers are displayed and link to the catalog. Each ILS system has different capabilities. Our developers have extensive experience utilizing APIs (application protocol interface) and can integrate other features from the ILS to dynamically improve the website.

An alert bar is displayed at the top of the home page for time-sensitive announcements. Alerts can easily be edited or omitted through the WordPress dashboard. These alerts are used for unanticipated closings due to weather or other important notifications. They are an easy to implement feature using WordPress and key communication tool for getting a message out quickly to patrons.

A key component of accessibility is multilingual translation. Google Translate is a free technology that provides the translation of web pages in 133 languages. The list of languages are editable so the patron is overwhelmed with choices.

Surveys have shown that one of the most in-demand website features is search, specifically catalog and on-site search. LibWeb includes an integrated search feature displayed at the top of each page of the site. The catalog search displays results from the library ILS. We are also experienced developing more advanced Federated search functionality that searches multiple data sets.

Integrating Room Reservations functionality is easy. LibWeb integrates code that connects with room reservation software such as Assabet Interactive. This functionality is typically displayed in an iFrame and the lives on the provider's server so hosting and maintenance aren't needed. Our developers have extensive experience connecting APIs and external functionality.

Book and media carousels provide a dynamic visual display of book covers pulling from your ILS. This feature adds an exciting visual to a home or interior page. We have extensive experience using different technologies to display this functionality.

Website content often becomes old and out of date. This can lead to bloated websites and time consuming curating. A content expiration feature is an easy way to automatically unpublish content. This is best suited for content you know will become out of date.

This is a popular feature. It can be easily implemented as a simple form or online chat. LibWeb offers the option to implement this either way.

This feature is a great way to create an online community and connect with patrons. WordPress has powerful features such as incorporating categories and tags, image uploads, and the ability to manage self generated content.

LibWeb includes a form for patrons to submit a library card registration or a link to the ILS for managing the application process.

Blogs are a great way to publish content and include features such as categories and tags. WordPress comes with a blog that is easily customizable.

There are options for integrating a poll or a survey with WordPress. A poll or survey is a helpful way to increase engagement with patrons and build an online community.

LibWeb empowers libraries with Gravity Forms and other WordPress plugins to easily create and manage forms including spam protection. This functionality enhances user engagement by enabling libraries to gather feedback, register event attendees, and facilitate communication directly through the website. Forms can streamline interactions, making it simpler for patrons to connect with library services and for libraries to respond to community needs.

Publishing content is easy with LibWeb. No coding knowledge is needed to add pages, edit pages, add photos, videos and make other site improvements. LibWeb uses the open source content management system WordPress which is used by over 75% of websites worldwide. WordPress popularity is largely based on its ease of use especially the workflow for publishing content and the availability of extensive functional features.

LibWeb integrates with the Digital catalog and the ILS. We have extensive experience working with different ILSs and the different types of ILS technologies such as Aspen, Sierra, Syndetics, and Evergreen.

LibWeb comes with several options for an events Calendar such as the ability to filter events by age (e.g. teens, children, adults, groups), listing events by day or month, and event registration. It's easy to use 3rd party applications such as Assabet Interactive as well as WordPress.

Extending the functionality and reach of libraries online is a core benefit of LibWeb. There are extensive options to integrate 3rd party plug-ins and technologies such as Assabet Interactive, Niche Academy, Wowbrary, EventKeeper & TixKeeper, LibCal, and Overdrive, to name a few. We have extensive experience integrating these and other technologies.

A donate capability can easily be added to the Friends of the library or other page using Paypal or another payment processing application to receive donations.

Google for Nonprofits (GFN) provides many benefits such as $10,000 a month in free Ad Grants i.e. online advertising. A Friends of the Library 501 C 3 nonprofit is eligible for GFN approval. The benefits provided can help with fundraising and increase the visibility of the library and traffic to the site. The GFN program is an underutilized resource and LibWeb makes it easy to take advantage of this valuable program.

Since LibWeb uses WordPress each site benefits from WordPress Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features such as optimized title and heading tags, proper HTML markup, Yoast (SEO plugin with a free version), and other SEO tools. Each LibWeb site also includes SEO best practices such as 301 redirects from the old site to the new site and Google Search Console sitemap integration.

Google Analytics (GA4) is free and is configured to send monthly website traffic and activity reports monthly. This is a valuable resource for understanding how patrons are using a site and ways to improve it.

Google Search Console, previously Google Webmaster Tools is free and automatically integrated with a LibWeb site. This is a valuable diagnostic tool for understanding issues with a site such as performance and ways to make improvements. Like Google Analytics it also provides a wealth of information about a site's visibility.

Library websites benefit from patrons subscribing to a site to receive newsletters via email. The more subscribers the more traffic to a website. LibWeb integrates the subscribe form with email applications such as MailChimp or Constant Contact.

Websites typically have broken links and the amount of broken links increase over time. This happens for a variety of reasons such as the destination page for a link no longer exists or was moved. The term used for this is 'link rot'. Regularly running a link tester or viewing tools such as Google Search Console is an easy way to find and fix broken links. Google increase traffic to websites that have minimal if any broken links.

We provide multiple options for web hosting that best fits the needs of a library's requirements. We utilize Amazon Web Services hosting for the most secure, high performance and cost effective hosting plan.

WordPress is the leading open source (i.e. free) content management system used by over 60% of websites internationally that have a CMS. It has become a standard platform with over 60,000 plugins that extend its functionality. It has an international community of thousands of developers working to make it easier to use and extend its functionality each year. BI Studio, that developed LibWeb, has been committed to utilizing open source technologies including WordPress since 2004 to help democratize web publishing for everyone.

LibWeb comes with extensive WordPress documentation on how to use and improve the website. Training and support services are also available.

This is a movement committed to making publishing content and creating websites without knowing code. This includes editing the design of pages and adding functionality. Open Source technology dovetails with the Low Code / No Code movement with the goal of democratizing web publishing at a minimal cost.

LibWeb is supported by BI Studio that provides extensive support such as staff training, website monitoring, security, and maintenance. We provide Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that fully support each library with services tailored to each library's specific needs.

The LibWeb design is based on research and continuous improvement over the past 12 years, incorporating current best practices for User Interface (UI), and User Experience (UX) design. Our designers specialize in branding and UI/UX design and customize each site to meet the specifics needs of a library.

A theme includes the layout, typography, colors and UI/UX components. LibWeb is a flex theme which means the design is flexible and can be customized to work well with the branding of a library.

The logo establishes the tone for a site, as well as the color and typography. If a logo is too complicated or poorly designed, it's difficult to have an effective design. Our designers are experienced branding specialists with a tried and true redesign process. Redesigning or refreshing a logo will substantially improve the overall look and feel of a site.

LibWeb includes a Responsive Web Design that is optimized for mobile devices. This means the design adapts to different screen sizes displaying the optimal UI/UX design. We also offer an advanced mobile app for libraries looking to further extend mobile capabilities.

A Mega Menu is navigation that drops down from the primary nav bar and displays multiple columns of text. It makes it easier for someone to see all the different pages in that section of the website. This improves usability
and is an information architecture best practice. The Mega Menus we include are dynamic, which means when you add or delete a page it automatically updates the mega menu. Note: Mega Menus are only displayed on desktop, mobile devices use a different menu display.

ADA refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act, section 508 accessibility guidelines for those with disabilities. All federal, state, and municipal agencies are required to meet ADA website compliance. The present standard is called WCAG 2.2 and there are 3 levels - A, AA, and AAA. LibWeb includes ADA compliance (AA) with the caveat that some of the content may need updating for the site to be fully compliant e.g. an image may need a tag that describes what the image is for the visually impaired. LibWeb includes an audit of content before a site is launched flagging any content that needs updating.

LibWeb makes it easy to add a photo or video gallery. We recommend using YouTube to post videos to and then display them on the website. The benefits of YouTube are easy uploading, advanced compression, easy integration, and increased visibility on the second largest search engine (YouTube). Creating a YouTube channel is not only easy, but it builds an online community for your library. Patrons can watch, subscribe, and comment on your videos.

A “Library of Things” feature integrates with a library's ILS system. It dynamically displays objects in the ILS catalog on the website similarly to how book covers are displayed.

An alert bar is displayed at the top of the home page for time-sensitive announcements. Alerts can easily be edited or omitted through the WordPress dashboard. These alerts are used for unanticipated closings due to weather or other important notifications.

A key component of accessibility is multilingual translation. Google Translate is a free technology that provides the translation of web pages in 133 languages. The list of languages are editable so only languages used in a community are displayed.

Surveys have shown that one of the most in-demand website features is search, specifically catalog and on-site search. LibWeb includes an integrated search feature displayed at the top of each page of the site. The catalog search displays results from the library ILS. We are also experienced in developing more advanced Federated search functionality that searches multiple data sets.

LibWeb connects with room reservation software such as Assabet Interactive. This functionality is typically displayed in an iFrame and lives on the provider's server so hosting and maintenance aren't needed. Our developers have extensive experience connecting APIs and external functionality.

Book and media carousels provide a dynamic visual display of book covers pulled from a library's ILS. This feature adds an exciting visual to a home or interior page. We have extensive experience using different technologies to display this functionality.

Website content often becomes old and out of date. This can lead to bloated websites and time consuming curating. A content expiration feature is an easy way to automatically unpublish content. This is best suited for content that's known will become out of date.

This is a popular feature. It can easily be implemented as a simple form or online chat. LibWeb offers the option to implement either way.

This feature is a great way to grow an online community and connect with patrons. WordPress has powerful features such as categories and tags, image uploads, and the ability to manage self generated content.

LibWeb includes a form for patrons to submit a library card registration or a link to the ILS for managing the application process.

Blogs are a great way to publish content and include features such as categories and tags. WordPress comes with a blog that is easily customizable.

There are options for integrating a poll or a survey with WordPress. A poll or survey is a helpful way to increase engagement with patrons and build an online community.

LibWeb empowers libraries with Gravity Forms and other WordPress plugins to easily create and manage forms including spam protection. This functionality enhances user engagement by enabling libraries to gather feedback, register event attendees, and facilitate communication directly through the website. Forms can streamline interactions, making it simpler for patrons to connect with library services and for libraries to respond to community needs.

Publishing content is easy with LibWeb. No coding knowledge is needed to add pages, edit pages, add photos, and videos, and make other site improvements. LibWeb uses the open source content management system WordPress which is used by over 60% of websites worldwide. WordPress popularity is largely based on its ease of use especially for publishing content and extending functionality.

LibWeb integrates with the Digital catalog and the ILS. We have extensive experience working with different ILSs and the different types of ILS technologies such as Aspen, Sierra, Syndetics, and Evergreen.

LibWeb comes with several options for an events Calendar such as the ability to filter events by age (e.g. teens, children, adults, groups), listing events by day or month, and event registration. It's also easy to use 3rd party applications such as Assabet Interactive.

Extending the functionality and reach of libraries online is a core benefit of LibWeb. There are extensive options to integrate 3rd party plug-ins and technologies such as Assabet Interactive, Niche Academy, Wowbrary, EventKeeper & TixKeeper, LibCal, and Overdrive, to name a few. We have extensive experience integrating these and other technologies.

A donate capability can easily be added to the Friends of the Library or other pages using Paypal or another payment processing application to receive donations.

Google for Nonprofits (GFN) provides many benefits such as $10,000 a month in free Ad Grants i.e. online advertising. A Friends of the Library 501 C 3 nonprofit is eligible for the GFN program. The benefits provided can help with fundraising and increase the visibility of the library and traffic to the site. GFN is an underutilized resource and LibWeb makes it easy to take advantage of this valuable program.

Since LibWeb uses WordPress each site benefits from WordPress Search Engine Optimization (SEO) features such as optimized title and heading tags, proper HTML markup, Yoast (SEO plugin with a free version), and other SEO tools. Each LibWeb site also includes SEO best practices such as 301 redirects from the old site to the new site and Google Search Console sitemap integration.

Google Analytics (GA4) is free and is configured to send monthly website traffic and activity reports. This is a valuable resource for understanding how patrons are using a site and ways to improve it.

Google Search Console, previously Google Webmaster Tools is free and automatically integrated with a LibWeb site. This is a valuable diagnostic tool for understanding issues with a site such as performance and ways to make improvements. Like Google Analytics it also provides extensive information about a site's usage.

Library websites benefit from patrons subscribing to a site to receive newsletters via email. The more subscribers the more traffic to a website. LibWeb integrates the subscribe form with email applications such as MailChimp or Constant Contact.

Websites typically have broken links and the amount of broken links increase over time. This happens for a variety of reasons such as the destination page for a link no longer exists or was moved. This is called 'link rot'. Regularly running a link tester or reviewing tools such as Google Search Console is an easy way to find and fix broken links. Google increases traffic to websites that have minimal if any broken links.

We provide multiple options for web hosting that best fits the needs of a library. We utilize Amazon Web Services hosting for the most secure, high performance, and cost effective hosting plan.

WordPress is the leading open source (i.e. free) content management system used by over 60% of websites internationally that have a CMS. It has become a standard platform with over 60,000 plugins that extend its functionality. It has an international community of thousands of developers working to make it easier to use and extend its functionality each year. BI Studio, who developed LibWeb, has been committed to utilizing open source technologies including WordPress since 2004 to help democratize web publishing for everyone.

LibWeb comes with extensive WordPress documentation on how to use and improve the website. Training and support services are also available.

This is a movement committed to making it easy for everyone to publish content and create websites. This includes editing the design of pages and adding functionality. Open Source technology dovetails with the Low Code / No Code movement with the goal of democratizing web publishing at a minimal cost.

LibWeb is supported by BI Studio, who provides extensive support such as staff training, website monitoring, security, and maintenance. We provide Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that fully support each library with services tailored to meet their needs.