Library's Web site redesign gives readers more choices By Monique Balas News-Chronicle Brown County Library patrons can now donate to the library, ask a librarian questions and look up the system's complete collection without even making a trip to a local branch. The library and its site developer, Infinity Technology Inc., have added some extra features and incorporated a more user-friendly design to its Web site to make navigation easier for library users on the go. The site remains www.browncounty.org. "We wanted a Web site that looked the same on every page so it was easy to navigate and also tied in with the three swooshes on the library card," said Sue Lagerman, Brown County Library Webmaster and community relations officer. The site incorporates photos of recent library programs, and the children's events calendar has been added in a PDF version that can be printed. "It includes remote access to some databases, too - things you had to come to the library before to use, you can now get from the Web site," Lagerman said. Through links to Barnes & Noble Booksellers and online bookstore giant Amazon.com, the site allows visitors to view reviews and covers of books available at the Brown County Library. Lagerman said the updated card catalog includes everything offered at the library - not just books - and its HTML-based format is easier to use than the previous Java-based online catalog. "It looks much more like what you'd see if you went to Amazon," Lagerman said. Have a question on your homework? Just click on the "Ask a Librarian Link" and write your question. A reference librarian will respond by e-mail or phone. Looking for a Christmas gift? Just in time for the holidays, visitors can link to an Amazon.com wish list, which allows book-lovers to fill out a profile that can be viewed by relatives and friends trying to pick out the right holiday gift. Upcoming book club discussions are listed and multiple copy lists are available in the "Adults" section. Visitors can also check out national booklists, such as the New York Times best-seller list and Oprah's Book Club. The site may also be used to apply for a library card and make purchase suggestions. By clicking on the "Support Your Library" link, navigators may donate books in someone else's name through the library's gift and memorial fund program. Visitors can still come to the library to participate in the program, but the link allows people to do it without leaving their home. "It provides a meaningful way to celebrate an important person or event," said Kasha Kerwin, collection development manager. When she receives the donation and the name of the person, Kerwin can purchase the book, plate it in the person's name and add it to the library collection. "It's a great way for a lot of people, if you're even having trouble buying presents for people at Christmas, you can do this in honor of someone," Kerwin said. She added people can donate books to the library itself to help boost its collection. Lagerman expects the site will help as people struggle to cram more and more into their busy schedules and the library system wrestles with budget constraints. Last year, there were 105,000 hits to the site, an 111 percent increase from the year before, she said. Given the positive feedback she's received so far, she expects that number to go up significantly following the redesign. "It's just another element of customer service; I think in this day and age, a lot of people do things online a majority of the time," Lagerman said. "I think it's necessary we have a good operable system to offer our library customers, so they can access us from wherever they are."