Research: Content: Analysis

In the area of Information Architecture, the word content has a specific meaning. Content is tangible information that can be collected and contained. Content objects are discrete chunks of information that are organized and managed. This content can be unstructured or structured. For example, a database contains structured content. Most websites contain both unstructured and structured content.

Content Objects

A collection of content objects that share the same structure is a called a content area. For example, your website might contain a content area on local legends which contains a set of content objects. In other words, you might have an introductory page called Local Legends and ten linked content objects that each contain a title, the local legend, the sources of the legend, a photograph, and source.

Grouping content together is important in helping users access related information. Users are more efficient when they can locate materials using a familiar organizational scheme such as alphabetical, chronological, geographical, grade level, or topical listings.

Creating Content

You may wish to create your own original content. This is often the case with the growing number of digital libraries. You may be scanning primary source documents or working with children on writing projects. While some people prefer to develop long-term projects, others find small-scale, short-term web development projects more manageable.

In school libaries, small-scale, short-term projects are a great way to get started with projects. Rather than commit yourself to a years worth of activities, design projects that take a couple days or weeks. With some experience, you may dive into a semester long project. Consider small scale projects such as hot lists, treasure hunts, sharing, and informational projects first. Then, work on developing instructional materials, WebQuests, case studies and other projects that involve lots of planning and development.

Go to Journey North or StoryTubes. How could these be used as part of a short-term project in a school library?

Go to StoryCorps. How could this be used as part of a short-term project in a public library?

Go to ALA. Think about ways to involve patrons in special programs.