The number of libraries using web 2.0 tools in their websites is staggering! Hennepin County Library's BookSpace is a very cool idea -- allowing you to make your book lists and link to the library's catalog all from the same page, although it's crammed with a lot of information. I liked Ann Arbor District Library's patron review space and for me it was clean looking and easy to read.
Some of the sites are packed with so much stuff that there's too much to look at -- there are so many tools that it's hard to see them all and it becomes a little chaotic. Lansing Public Library, Allen County Public Library and Westport Library, on the other hand, have a relatively orderly look which is much more appealing to me. In general, I gravitate more to the calmer and cleaner look and am more apt to check out the tools when they're laid out in that fashion.
Making the library's website interactive would be very appealing to some patrons. The capability of adding tags and reviews could provide people with a real sense of connection to and investment in the library -- essentially making it their own and leaving their footprint. I wonder what percentage of the community would respond?
Wow, I looked at the Lansing P.L. page and I hardly knew any of the staff!
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