Lately I have been asking myself this question and reflecting on what are the “must have” features that contribute to a successful Website design. This has been foremost in my thoughts as one of our major projects this year is to launch a new Library Website.
So what truly matters? Is it design which encompasses all the visual elements such as color scheme, layout & organization, font(s), logo, and images? Or is it content which is made up of informational elements/text and access to both subscribed and vetted resources/services the library provides? Or finally, is it website navigation – the ease in locating needed information?
All three features – design, content, and navigation play important roles and the constant challenge will be to integrate these elements into one cohesive package. Our ultimate goal is to see our users come back again and again because they value our site. They see it as an interactive and dynamic resource that is well-organized, showcasing the content that exceeds their medical and research information needs.
The main purpose of our Website is the aggregation of subscribed content from the various information providers and publishers we work with so that our users have a sole place to go to discover what journals (full text articles), books, and databases are available to them. In addition, we provide vetted sources and outline various research services and customized educational sessions which support informed decision-making.
Website navigation is critical and it is our responsibility to ensure that we accommodate both the “searcher” and the “browser” in the way we organize our site. Searching our site should turn up results that are on target and within the parameters that the user defines.
As we move ahead with our Library redesign project, we will be reaching out to our user community for feedback. We will be collecting both quantitative data and qualitative observational information and plan on implementing an iterative approach – the more iterations – the better the Website!
If you want to be part of our Website redesign, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Donna Gibson
Director of Library Services