Untangling a tangled web: a case study in choosing and implementing a CMS
| Date | 01 January 2006 |
| Pages | 61-68 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610652112 |
| Published date | 01 January 2006 |
| Author | Terry L. Huttenlock,Jeff W. Beaird,Ronald W. Fordham |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THEME ARTICLE
Untangling a tangled web:
a case study in choosing and
implementing a CMS
Terry L. Huttenlock, Jeff W. Beaird and Ronald W. Fordham
Buswell Memorial Library, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Abstract
Purpose – To present a case study of a library systems department’s experience in choosing and
implementing a content management system. By sharing this process others may be helped as they
look for solutions and face similar situations.
Design/methodology/approach – A reflective case study was chosen because it allowed the
systems department to tell their story by reflecting on what had happened over the past two years.
This is also a self study as the writers of the story are also the ones who experienced the events.
Findings – The article provides a detailed account of choosing and implementing a CMS including
insight into decisions, issues, and processes. The broad issues of usability, that usability is
individualistic and task oriented, is portrayed. The hard work and difficulties involved in this type of
project, especially for a small library, is recognized.
Research limitations/implications – As this is one department’s experiences, it is not necessarily
generalizable to other CMS projects or other libraries.
Practical implications – Sharing experiences can give insight and guidelines to those who are
contemplating similar decisions/implementations.
Originality/value – This paper offers practical advice and reflective insights based on an actual
experience.
Keywords Content management,Libraries, User interfaces
Paper type Case study
This article is a reflective case study of the experiences of a library’s systems
department in choosing and implementing a content management system (CMS) for the
library web site. A reflective case study was chosen because it allows an examination
of an issue using reflection as a means for telling the story. Libraries today are faced
with the challenge of an expanding online environment. The need for a solution is
therefore not unique. By reflecting on this process, it is hoped that others will be helped
as they look for solutions and face similar situations.
In 2003, the systems department in the library at Wheaton College, a small liberal
arts college, was faced with multiple challenges: a legacy web environment, the need to
make maintenance quicker and easier, as well as a need to position the web site for
future development and expansion. The Systems and Techno logical Services
Department is made up of a faculty librarian who is also the department head; a
computer operations supervisor, responsible for the server environment; and a
computer support coordinator, in charge of managing and supporting PCs. This is their
story.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
Untangling a
tangled web
61
Received 1 September 2005
Revised 1 November 2005
Accepted 15 November 2005
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 24 No. 1, 2006
pp. 61-68
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830610652112
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