The Oakville Public Library website is simple, user friendly and has a lot of great information. The Oakville Public Library site uses lots of images and banner ads to encourage users to explore its contents. It has a simple, clean design and navigation that works well.

The top portion of the site prominently displays the search bar and it is actually part of the header, so that you can easily search for the materials that you’re looking for no matter what page you’re on. The advanced search option is easy to use and on the sidebar there is an FAQ on Boolean logic in case someone needs a quick reference.

The links and functionality throughout the site are clear and consistent and the site is truly easy to use. The OPL website is a good marketing tool for the library because it promotes the library’s materials and services in a positive way. I don’t think the patrons would be frustrated using the site, the information is clear and helpful; it is also easy to contact the library since their contact info is very prominently displayed.

There are a lot of useful elements to the site that make it more than just an information resource; it’s interactive and utilizes different Web 2.0 features to enhance the user experience. More specifically, the OPL website promotes the library’s product, including materials, services and programs in a great way, utilizing lots of images, ads, lists, a calendar of events and specialized sections of the website.

The website does a good job focusing on its audience as well; while maintaining a consistent look throughout it offers a separate space for teens with information on summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, scholarships and events and programs specifically for teens.

Finally, the website is fairly easy to find; I typed in “Oakville Public Library” into several different search engines and the link was always on top of the search results.

My only complaint was that the website doesn’t have a place for kids; although there is information on kids resources it is clear that it’s meant for adults, so that might be an area that could use some improvement in the future.

Overall, I really like this library website — that’s why I chose to review it. Of course as always, there is plenty of room for improvement, but this library is off to a positive start.