Project Overview
Naroman designed and developed a welcoming website for the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room, a beloved community institution in Dili that serves as both a library and a museum celebrating Timor-Leste's history and culture. The digital platform was created to extend the Reading Room's reach, improve access to its resources, and enhance community engagement with its programs.
About Xanana Gusmão Reading Room
Named after Timor-Leste's independence leader and former President, the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room is a vital cultural institution that provides free access to books, educational resources, and historical materials. It serves as both a community library and a museum housing artifacts related to Timor-Leste's independence struggle. The Reading Room hosts regular educational programs, cultural events, and community gatherings designed to promote literacy and preserve the nation's cultural heritage.
Key Features
Catalog Search System
Integrated digital catalog allowing visitors to search the Reading Room's extensive collection of books, historical documents, and multimedia resources.
Events Calendar
Dynamic scheduling system showcasing upcoming reading programs, cultural events, educational workshops, and community gatherings.
Historical Exhibition
Digital showcase of important artifacts and historical materials related to Timor-Leste's independence struggle and cultural heritage.
Educational Resources
Dedicated section providing access to curriculum materials, reading lists, and educational content for students, teachers, and researchers.
Volunteer Portal
Information and registration system for community members interested in supporting the Reading Room's various programs and initiatives.
Multilingual Support
Integrated language options to ensure accessibility for both Timorese and international visitors in multiple languages.
Design Approach
The website design focused on creating a warm, inviting digital space that reflects the Reading Room's physical atmosphere and community-centered mission:
Development Process
The creation of the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room website involved close collaboration with the institution's staff and leadership:
- Conducted extensive consultations with Reading Room staff to understand their unique needs and community connections
- Documented the Reading Room's collections, programs, and historical significance
- Designed an intuitive information architecture prioritizing ease of use for diverse community members
- Developed a custom WordPress solution tailored to the institution's specific requirements
- Integrated specialized catalog functionality to make the collection searchable online
- Created comprehensive training materials for staff to maintain and update content
Special Considerations
As a participating board member of the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room, Naroman's founder brought unique insights to this project:
- Deep understanding of the institution's mission and community significance
- Firsthand knowledge of operational challenges and opportunities
- Strong connections with stakeholders and community members
- Sensitivity to the cultural and historical importance of the materials
- Long-term commitment to the sustainability of the digital platform
Impact & Results
The website has significantly enhanced the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room's ability to serve its community:
- Expanded access to catalog information, allowing users to discover resources even outside visiting hours
- Increased attendance at events through improved promotional capabilities
- Enhanced international awareness of this important cultural institution
- Created new pathways for volunteer engagement and community participation
- Established a digital foundation for preserving and sharing Timor-Leste's cultural heritage
- Supported the Reading Room's mission of promoting literacy and education across the country