Using the library intranet to manage web content

Abstract

Purpose

The University of Oklahoma Libraries (UL) has created content management tools located on the staff intranet. These tools allow library personnel to control the content on the web site while the library systems office maintains site navigation and consistent site design. These tools have been in place for approximately three years, but this study is the first formal evaluation of these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate usage of the content management tools in place at UL, the authors surveyed all levels of library personnel to see how they utilize the library intranet to manage web site content. The authors examined both self‐reported usage of the staff intranet and data collected from the systems office about actual usage.

Findings

This study provides insight on the intended use of content management systems versus the actual usage of these systems.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should focus on how CMS is being used by regular users of the systems rather than usage of the system as a whole. Survey results were skewed by including student workers who seldom have reason to use the intranet or CMS tools within the scope of their positions.

Practical implications

Explores the issues surrounding the use of the intranet as a tool for communication and managing content on a public web site. Tools must be properly marketed if they are to be fully utilized.

Originality/value

This paper will benefit those in organizations that are considering locally developing content management tools or that are beginning to evaluate usage of their staff intranet.

Citation

Robbins, S., Engel, D. and Bierman, J. (2006), "Using the library intranet to manage web content", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 261-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610669628