Relaunch - State Library on the Internet
* Relaunch of the website of the Berlin Central and State Library
* New design developed and placed on the Internet
* Variety of independent websites under one roof
* Strong focus on open-source technology
* Editing system installed
Berlin - 1 August 2003 – At mid-summer, things will really heat up at the Berlin Central and State Library. Then the new Internet website of the largest public library in Germany will be ready to go! EsPresto AG reworked the existing websites technically and structurally, uniting everything in a harmonious overall site with a new design. From A for access for the disabled to E for exhibitions and O for online borrowing to Z for Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin, users will find all the information they would expect of a modern library at
www.zlb.de.
"The project took two years", said Maya Biersack, member of the management board at EsPresto AG. "The objective was to create a new, open design and to transfer it to the Internet. Together with the Berlin Central and State Library, we succeeded in uniting the organically developed Internet activities under one roof and in presenting a homogenous image." The new website was launched on the first of August.
The Internet is also a high-priority issue for the management board of the Berlin Central and State Library. Thus, numerous staff members actively participated in the relaunch.
EsPresto AG provided comprehensive support throughout the project, from the initial consultation to conceptualization to final implementation. The servers were also maintained by the Berlin-based IT service provider. "We work with EsPresto because the company was incredibly attuned to our needs", says Sabine Walz, PR manager and responsible project manager at the Berlin Central and State Library. "We are especially pleased with the selection of the editing system. EsPresto found the optimal open-source software for us. That is an economic benefit. Furthermore, EsPresto utilized the library's existing internal knowledge to the greatest possible extent, and always gave us objective and cost-effective advice."
The tasks of EsPresto AG included:
* Drawing up the basic concept: The relevant staff members from the departments involved were surveyed to determine the actual requirements for the new website.
* Refining the concept: In this phase the requirements were specified in more detail and adapted. Library departments were also involved in this phase and supported EsPresto with their knowledge of details.
* Structure: Main categories and sub-categories of the new website were determined. The result is a well-designed structural shell that also includes space for additional project websites.
* Implementation: The design, data base and templates were implemented by EsPresto AG.
* Editing system: The requirements for the editing system were reviewed. In the end, the "Silva" open-source content management system was selected.
* Training: To facilitate ongoing content maintenance, a total of 50 staff members were trained to use the editing system. Further support is also provided by EsPresto AG.
Even after the website relaunch, EsPresto AG was commissioned by the Berlin Central and State Library to provide ongoing technical support.
Berlin Central and State Library
EsPresto AG was founded in 1999 by the siblings Maya, Alexander and Peter Biersack. Defying the trends in the IT sector, the company has grown continuously since its founding. Today, 17 IT experts work at the offices located in Breite Strasse in Berlin. Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Berlin Central and State Library are among the biggest customers. EsPresto AG is also very active in the XML group and is a member of the management board for the "<xmlcity:berlin>" initiative.
Should you have questions about this press release, please contact:
EsPresto AG
Peter Biersack
press@espresto.com
Breite Str. 30-31
10178 Berlin
Phone: +49.30.90 226-750
Fax: +49.30.90 226-760
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