IST 600 – Web Content Strategy for Libraries – Spring 2014. Instructor
Christopher J. Evjy ... New Riders, 2010. Kissane, Erin. Elements of Content
Strategy.
1
IST 600 – Web Content Strategy for Libraries – Spring 2014 Instructor
Christopher J. Evjy
Phone
718.594.7856
Office
None – distance instructor
E-mail
[email protected]
Office Hours
Phone & Skype conversations are welcome and can be scheduled as needed via email. Email will be responded to within 24hrs, with some exceptions due to travel, etc. with advance notice.
Note This curriculum is still under development. Details of this syllabus are subject to change. Description Web content management systems like Drupal, Wordpress and Joomla! are powerful tools that simplify staff interaction with complex Web technologies and empower librarians to engage with patrons on a scale never before possible. In order to realize the potential of these systems to further the mission of Libraries on the Web, Libraries need to devise strategies around what types of content they should be producing and the outcomes they are trying to achieve. Library websites need to be built using an information architecture that is sustainable and relies on established content production workflows. This course will present best practices and tools from the field in how to accomplish these goals. Learning Outcomes 1. Understanding of what content strategy is and its place in an overall Web strategy. 2. Methods for leading a cross-departmental team through content strategy development. 3. Methods for developing a sustainable information architecture that takes into account an organization’s disposition toward innovation. 4. Understanding content modeling and how a model can be used as a communication tool. 5. Understanding content governance and best practices for defining the roles, responsibilities and workflows necessary to effectively manage content on an enterprise-level library website. Optional Books A good portion of our readings will come from these books. PDFs will be posted to Blackboard. Halverson, Kristina. Content Strategy for the Web. New Riders, 2010. Kissane, Erin. Elements of Content Strategy. A Book Apart, 2011. Wachter-Boettcher. Content Everywhere. Rosenfeld Media, 2013. Assignments Weekly discussion prompts (35 pts) Article write-up #1 (10 pts) Article write-up #2 (10 pts) Presentation video write-up (15 pts) Final Project (30 pts)
2 Requirements This course is conducted completely online. The course schedule lists readings for the semester; however, additional readings may be assigned as needed. Assigned reading must be completed before the Monday of that week in order to participate fully in the online discussion. Example: please read first assigned reading by January 20. Online discussion is an essential part of this course. The instructor will post supplemental materials (lectures, videos, PowerPoint slides, etc.) as well as a discussion starter every Monday. You will be expected to follow that discussion starter prompt and post by the Monday of the following week. Example: Your response to the prompt posted on January 20 must be posted by January 27. Additional information about expectations for the required online discussion will be found in the Assignments section of this syllabus. Course Schedule Date
Topic
1
1/13
Introducing content strategy
2
1/20
Understand your users
3
1/27
4
2/3
Lead a team, develop strategy
5
2/10
Content auditing
6
2/17
7
2/24
Content modelling
8
3/3
Write for the Web
3/10
Spring Break
9
3/17
Writing on the Web OR Emotional design
10
3/24
Evaluating content
11
3/31
Content governance
12
4/7
Producing future-ready content
13
4/14
Case Study: NPR & COPE
14
4/21
Case Study: TBD
Required Reading and Assignment
This is change management, know your environment Article write-up #1 & response
Build a sustainable information architecture Article write-up #2 & response
Video presentation write-up & response
Final project
Grading Points are given for each completed assignment and are based on adherence to the requirements of the assignment and the quality of work. If you are having problems completing an assignment, please discuss your situation with the instructor before the assignment is due for guidance and advice. Any extenuating circumstances should be discussed with the instructor
3 when they arise. Assignments that are handed in more than 24 hours will automatically be given fewer points. If it is more than 72 hours late, the number of points received is “0”. Please note that no make-up or extra credit work is given in this class. Final grades will be posted in Blackboard. Each assignment is worth a specific number of points (see Assignments section for details). Points earned from the assignments will be tallied for your final grade. The scale for final grades is as follows: A
96-100
A-
91-95
B+
86-90
B
81-85
B-
76-80
C+
71-75
C
66-70
F
