Using WordPress as a Library Content Management System

Library Technology Reports April 2011 47:3 The authors begin their exploration of WordPress by spotlighting the concerns inherent in online content management as teh Web has taken on highly complex and interactive characteristics. They advise that content management and strategy as tehy relate to web publishing is no longer optional for libraries. The authors discuss the use of WordPress as a content management system in libraries, highlighting its unique technical characteristics, superb user experience qualities, and extensible features, as well as providing a fair discussion of the system's flaws. A variety of guest authors--librarians, archivists, and educators--contribute case studies, responses, and best practicse. Also included: *a brief history of WordPress *an introduction to the different types of content management systems *a list of resources to guide an exploration of WordPress *simple-to-follow "cookbooks" for best practices and choosing excellent plugins