2 - The virtual media library (I): managing intranets

Summary

As journalists have turned from ordering press cuttings files from their organization's library to accessing their information online, new roles have emerged for media librarians to apply their traditional research and organizational skills to the online world. This chapter intends to demonstrate the value of research intranets to media libraries and organizations, and provide library practitioners with an idea of best practice in terms of creating and maintaining such a resource. The authors are part of the Guardian's Research and Information Department; they were directly involved with the relaunch of their research intranet and are now responsible for its ongoing management.

The chapter examines what a research intranet is, the history of intranets in media libraries and how these have evolved to become resources used by leading media organizations. A successful research intranet depends on a number of factors, which range from content and design to user-testing and marketing. By demonstrating and assessing how specific media libraries are using and developing their intranets this chapter gives library practitioners guidelines about managing intranets and meeting user needs. The increasing sophistication of information technology and the rise of Web 2.0 applications offer greater opportunities to enhance intranet development. It is the authors’ belief that, as media librarians, they are ideally equipped to take advantage of these.

Introduction and history

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) an intranet is a ‘local or restricted computer network; spec. a private or corporate network that uses Internet protocols’. As a website intended solely for internal use, its content is produced by the organization, for the organization, in order to communicate effectively the issues which affect its members. Intranets promote knowledge-sharing and provide a single and secure point of access, allowing a company to manage its information and reduce the cost of information sourcing, printing and distribution. Intranet content can include staff directories, policies and procedures, bulletin boards, staff discounts and activities. Available and accessible to all members of an organization, an intranet is an ideal platform on which a smaller department such as a library can make its presence felt.