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Accessibility
The Library wanted to create an interesting site where every child could discover and learn in spite of possible limitations -- whether at home or in public access venues, such as community centers, libraries, or schools. At each stage of development, 415 took different needs and capabilities into account to make sure the site would be accessible to all.

– Incorporated a vast number of media files (video, audio, and early film and animation samples), but used a minimum of plug-ins (Flash and REAL Media only). Even without the plug-ins, users can still enjoy and learn from the site's content
– Developed site to work with text-based browsers and minimal color-coding that is non-essential for viewing in order to accommodate users with special needs
– Considered American Disabilities Association guidelines carefully during User Interface development

Content
Because America's Library was designed to contain more than 500 original stories, the establishment of effective content creation and management was crucial.

– Divided content into five sections that would appeal to children: "Meet Amazing Americans," "Jump Back in Time," "Explore the States," "Join America at Play," and "See, Hear and Sing"
– Created a structure that presents content in the form of short stories to help keep kids engaged in the site
– Developed subjects for each section, identified individual stories, gathered assets and information in collaboration with Library historians – Designed interactive games to supplement content and encourage learning

Information Architecture/User Interface
415 created a very basic structure for the site, with information divided into five general areas -- people, dates, places, pastimes/hobbies, and media types.

– Crafted accessible navigation that would facilitate expansion and growth over time
– Structured information delivery into comfortable, bite-size portions that prevent breadth and depth of site from overwhelming even novice Web users
– Combined global navigation and a clickable "cookie crumb" navigation trail to ensure that visitors can immediately identify their location

Technology
Because the Library's time and budget constraints would not at first allow for a database-driven site, 415 invented a speedy, text-driven solution that would translate easily to a full-blown backend database when resources became available. Based on the success of the site, 415 implemented a content management system in Spring 2002 that delivered significant advantages for the Library team responsible for America's Library.

– Conducted vendor review program before selecting Interwoven content management product
– Completed extensive customization of Interwoven offering
– Collaborated with Library staff to define and build automated workflows
Integrated extensive CMS that:
– Simplifies research, content creation, editing, and maintenance
– Creates searchable directory of content and automates back-end management and maintenance (allows staff to collaborate on all types of documents and add, edit, manage, delete and archive content for America's Library without external vendor assistance
– Developed user interface and unique collaborative functionality within the CMS solution for managers and other back-end users

Testing/Focus Groups
To insure that America's Library accomplished its goal of attracting and engaging children of every stripe, 415 conducted research, testing and interviews, and has established a partnership with Tec-Ed to continue soliciting feedback on site evolution and usability issues.

– Conducted interviews with kids of varying interests, needs, and access, in the target audience -- ages 11-12 -- in locations across the country
– Developed formal testing plan with Tec-Ed for subsequent phases of site development

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