Building a Web Site for Mental Health Librarians

Abstract This article details the planning, implementation and maintenance involved in the creation of the Medical Library Association (MLA) Mental Health Special Interest Group (SIG) Web site (http://www.miami.edu/mhsig). The purpose of this Web site is to provide an informational tool for librarians, information professionals, and consumers interested in mental and behavioral health, psychology, psychiatry, and substance abuse. Covering both common sense and technical aspects, this discussion can serve as a potential model for individuals or organizations interested in creating an informative, content-driven Web site intended for knowledge professionals. Stages of Web site development included are: planning, physical design issues, site contents, content evaluation and credibility, promotion, evaluation of the final product, maintenance issues, and lessons learned.