The Dewey decimal system was created over 150 years ago to help libraries organize and categorize their books. Today, Librarians everywhere know they can find the History of Europe in the 940s or books about dogs in 636. Dewey’s organizational system has withstood the test of time. Unfortunately, a system like Dewey’s has not been developed for digital content. There is no universal way to organize content. Perhaps it’s because each business is so unique that a “one size fits all” approach does not work. Instead, companies are left to either ‘wing it’ and post content they hope will be successful, while others, like the St. Charles Public Library, reach out to experts to help them with a comprehensive content strategy that ladders up to an overarching business goal. 

St. Charles Public Library (SCPL)

The St. Charles Public Library has put out a Request For Proposal to redesign its website.  The current SCPL website is bursting with an online catalog, events calendars, learning tools, videos,  images, and more. However, patrons can’t seem to find what they are looking for, or they don’t know what’s available. The solution to the SCPL website is to make a Dewey Decimal system of their own.

Enter Content Strategy

A clear content strategy will align SCPL’s business goals with the needs of its patrons, thus creating an organized user experience.

 “Every piece of content you create will be a well-chiseled puzzle piece that helps craft your brands’ story and message.”

Julia McCoy | Search Engine Journal

The Proposal

I took the time to analyze each piece of SCPL content including their website, Social Media, and YouTube. After analyzing the SEO and accessibility and comparing SCPL against other library websites, I found many opportunities for SCPL.  Each step I took is laid out in the attached proposal, including a custom content strategy for SCPL. It also contains a complete Style Guide to help writers create a consistent message and discusses the importance of assigning roles and responsibilities to hold people accountable. The proposal also outlines steps to develop processes to keep new content on a schedule. 

These changes can help the St. Charles Public Library build trust in their patrons and help them reach their goal of providing information easily and fluidly throughout their website.