I am now in the process of creating a new web page for my media center b/c we are using a new product. I have been looking at web pages for other school trying to decide what I want to put on our new site. So, far I have seen hundreds of different ideas that all seem to be relevant to the school that they are representing. The real task comes in dividing what is important to your school and what is not. I have come up with several things that I think must be included on an elementary site. First, I think that you have to make it appealing to kids so that they will choose to come and check it out. Second, the parents have to come to the site and find it worthwhile or they will not waste their valuable time. Thirdly, it has to promote the media center in a positive way to those outsiders who may visit just because of curiosity. Having four kids of my on, I realize that cool graphics, interaction, and awesome games are the hooks that I need to get kids involved. The website has to be modern and competitive with the sites that they are already using. Old layouts with teddy bears and apples is not going to cut it in today's high tech kids. Use a theme that is catchy and build around that. This gets the kids into the site. For example, a fear factor theme would get kids interested. This part of the site could be for kids only that way when parents and others visit you could still be presented as professional. The kids only section needs to contain games that the kids can play (not lame word games). Scholastic, Game Ranch, Funbrain, and author websites offer good, clean, and even some educational games. They also need a place where they can interact with each other. A blog with an organized topic would be a great place for kids to review books, discuss topics, and present their ideas. The kids area would also be a great place to offer book reviews and promotions. Kids also need a calendar feature so that they can keep up with whats happening at school. The parent portion needs to include links to their kids' homeroom teachers, a calendar feature, and helpful website links. (i.e. homework helpers, book reviews, movie reviews, kids clean websites etc., a parent blog would also give parents a place to express their views. I also think that a ask the librarian section would be a nice touch. All of this needs to be presented in an organized and professional way. Anytime that we can put our best foot forward for the media center we should take the opportunity.