Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Libraries [Workshop/Course]
(Team teaching with Montana State University research team including:
Kenning Arlitsch, Dean of the Library; Jason Clark, Head of Library Informatics and Computing; Patrick OBrien, Semantic Web Research Director Scott Young, Digital Initiatives Librarian
Being found in commercial search engines, like Google, and writing indexable content have largely been on the periphery of library web development practice. In this course/workshop, we will explore the mechanics and principles of acceptable best practices for SEO, identify components that contribute to successful harvesting of library web sites and microsites, and discuss the need to make library content findable in broader online settings. Come learn why SEO is not just "snake oil" and can be an integral part of library marketing and outreach initiatives.
Topics:
web analytics, creating indexable content, understanding search engines, engineering findability, the business case for SEO, distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable SEO
indexable content have largely been on the periphery of library web development practice. In this course/workshop, we will explore the mechanics and principles of acceptable best practices for SEO, identify components that contribute to successful harvesting of library web sites and microsites, and discuss the need to make library content findable in broader online settings. Come learn why SEO is not just "snake oil" and can be an integral part of library marketing and outreach initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the difference between acceptable best practices for SEO and unacceptable SEO.
- Learn how bots create the web index for your web sites.
- Learn how to apply the basic activities around acceptable best practices for SEO.
- Learn how to conduct SEO keyword and topic research
- Learn how to set up Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools to measure SEO success and diagnose SEO problems.
- Know how to create a business case for SEO work in your library
Who Should Attend
- Web developers and System Administrators with some web management experience
- Any librarian interested in web analytics and building findable content for the web
Host
Team teaching with Montana State University research team including: Kenning Arlitsch, Patrick O'Brien, Scott Young, and Jason Clark
Registration
Cost
LITA Member: $135
ALA Member: $195
Non-member: $260
How to Register
Register Online (membership login is required)
OR
Contact ALA Registration: call 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org or submit print registration form [PDF]
Tech Requirements
Live, synchronous lectures will require attendee participation via internet audio. Attendees will need a wired, high-speed internet connection, and a headset or speakers. It is recommended that attendees use headsets connected to their computers (VOIP) during an Adobe Connect session. All attendees are muted and should use the built in chat function to communicate with presenters. The use of computer speakers with a mic is not recommended, as it may cause echo. The recommended browser is Mozilla Foxfire although other browsers should work adequately for attending.
Contact
For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration: call 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org.
For all other questions or comments related to the course, contact LITA at (312) 280-4269 or lita@ala.org.