The Haley Memorial Library & History Center is a nonprofit museum and research library dedicated to preserving and providing access to the history of West Texas, ranching, and the American Southwest.
When we began working together in 2016, the library already had a website — but it was no longer serving its mission. The site was difficult to use, offered no way to browse available materials, and provided no support for online book sales, memberships, or donations. As research methods and audience expectations evolved, the library needed a digital presence that matched the importance of its collections.
My work with The Haley Library began with an in-person planning meeting with Director Pat McDaniel in Midland, Texas. From the outset, the goals were clear:
Improve access for researchers
Create a usable index of available materials
Expand the library’s reach beyond its physical walls
Generate sustainable revenue through books, memberships, and donations
To do this well, I needed to understand not just the technology, but the institution itself. I spent time onsite photographing the collections, learning how researchers interact with archival material, and understanding how a working research library operates day to day.
Together, we developed a long-term plan — not just for a redesign, but for how the website would evolve over time to support the library’s mission.
Industry: Nonprofit, Historical Research Library
Project Type: Website Design & Development, Graphic Design, Photography, E-Commerce, Membership, Ongoing Support
Project Technology:
WordPress, WooCommerce, MemberPress, Donations, Beaver Builder, Fluent Forms
Timeline: 2016–Present
Since 2016, The Haley Library website has been steadily expanded and refined as needs have grown and technology has changed.
Key components of the work include:
a searchable, researcher-friendly website structure
an e-commerce system supporting book sales and special publications
online memberships and donation tools for supporters
event support for annual programs, including live and hybrid events
ongoing design, updates, and technical maintenance
The site is updated multiple times each year to support exhibitions, book releases, art sales, and the annual Fall Gathering — including hosting event-related content directly on the website.
Rather than treating the site as a one-time project, the work has been approached as long-term digital stewardship — ensuring the library’s online presence remains usable, relevant, and respectful of the historical material it represents.
The Haley Library now has:
a modern, functional website aligned with its mission
improved access for researchers and the public
expanded revenue through online book sales, memberships, and donations
a digital platform capable of supporting ongoing events and initiatives
Most importantly, the website supports the library’s work quietly and reliably — making it easier for staff, researchers, and supporters to engage with the institution without unnecessary friction.
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