NC LIVE Website Service

The Problem

Library websites can be hard for librarians to manage, hard for patrons to use, and out-of-date from a design perspective. An old website can turn off users and impede the access, use, and impact of library resources and services.

The Solution

NC LIVE is offering a LibGuides-based web template for North Carolina libraries that features:

An easy-to-use interface. LibGuides is the most common CMS used across North Carolina libraries and is a good tool for scaffolding the design and production process.
Contemporary, attractive design. The templates were designed by UNC Creative and feature a clean aesthetic and a user-focused interface. The web templates will also be mobile-responsive (will look great on computer browsers, tablets, and phones) and will meet the latest WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards.
Customization. Libraries are free to tailor the templates as much as they desire to their needs and aesthetic.

Design

There are two templates that libraries may choose from. One features a more search-centered interface, while the other features a programming-centered interface. You can view more of the basic design in our Best Practices and Implementation Guide and see a video preview in this webinar.

What You'll Get

The website service package comes with:

A library homepage template.
One additional interior page template, which you can use for as many pages as you like.
Our Best Practices & Implementation Guide. Additionally, LibGuides training will be available via the State Library's Train Station.

Cost

There is a one-time $300 fee for NC LIVE member libraries. Non-NC LIVE members can contact help [at] nclive.org (help[at]nclive[dot]org) for pricing.

Technical Requirements

A LibGuides v.2 account with administrative rights.
Hosted site (or access to your server).
Permissions to make changes to your website.

Sign Us Up!

Interested in signing up? Please let us know by completing this form.

Website Service FAQs

What is the cost of the website service?

The Website Service is a one time cost of $300 for NC LIVE Libraries.

How long does it take before we can launch a new website?

Many libraries are able to launch a new site in around two months. This time will be extended if new content is created or extensive restructing of the website and link architecture is completed (e.g. what links are included in main and sub menus and how pages link to each other).
If migrating to LibGuides for website management along with implementing the Website Service, plan for around 4-6 months.

Can our current website be used with the Website Service?

The Website Service can only be used with a LibGuides website. If you are using another website service, such as WordPress or YouSeeMore, all content would need to be migrated to LibGuides first.

How is the content on the new site created and who is responsible for it?

The content for the Website Service is created and maintained by you! Each library is responsible for the content on the site. The Website Service only provides a design template.

Are statistics available for our site once we move to the NC LIVE Website Service?

Statistics for LibGuide pages are available under "Statistics" in the LibApps Admin Portal. Libraries with some technical experience may also consider implementing Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager to track statistics. These methods require adding a small amount of code to the Custom CSS provided with the Website Service.

Can I reuse content from my current LibGuides site?

Yes, however we do recommend you use the preview aspect of the implementation tool to see how your current pages will look with the new design so you can easily identify any changes that may be needed.

Does the website service meet accessibility guidelines?

The Website Service strives to meet W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines level AA

What if I need technical assistance?

The Website Service Best Practices Guide contains guidance on many popular questions and issues. Still stumped? Contact us.

More Info

Examples library websites using the NC LIVE Website Service: Carteret County Public Library, Queens University of Charlotte, Pender County Library, Stanly Community College, and Surry Community College.
Watch this recorded webinar from August 2022 for more context and a walk-through of the implementation process with our Web and Database Development Librarian, Daniel Whitehead.