Using static web technologies and git-based workflows to re-design and maintain a library website (quickly) with non-technical staff

In 2018, a university-wide brand update prompted the University of Idaho Library to re-examine their website development practices and move towards a static web approach that leverages librarian skillsets and provides the library greater control over its systems and data. This case study describes the methodological reasons behind the decision to use the static site generator Jekyll over a Content Management System (CMS) and the practical steps taken to create a sustainable and agile development model. The article details the ways this static web approach (nicknamed “Lib-STATIC”) facilitates cross-departmental communication, collaboration, and innovative feature development for library staff members of varying technical abilities. (Post print version of published article

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Using static web technologies and git-based workflows to re-design and maintain a library website (quickly) with non-technical staff

In 2018, a university-wide brand update prompted the University of Idaho Library to re-examine their website development practices and move towards a static web approach that leverages librarian skillsets and provides the library greater control over its systems and data. This case study describes the methodological reasons behind the decision to use the static site generator Jekyll over a Content Management System (CMS) and the practical steps taken to create a sustainable and agile development model. The article details the ways this static web approach (nicknamed “Lib-STATIC”) facilitates cross-departmental communication, collaboration, and innovative feature development for library staff members of varying technical abilities. (Post print version of published article)This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in College & Undergraduate Libraries on 19 Feb 2021, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10691316.2021.1887036 Published version citation: Evan Peter Williamson, Olivia M. Wikle, Devin Becker, Marco Seiferle-Valencia, Jylisa Doney & Jessica Martinez (2021) Using static web technologies and git-based workflows to re-design and maintain a library website (quickly) with non-technical staff, College & Undergraduate Libraries, DOI: 10.1080/10691316.2021.188703