Web Design Open Forum

Library Forum – May 21, 2008 (Notes kindly provided by Marcie Crocker)

Paul Philbin presented an overview of the new library website (http://library.uvm.edu:8008) that is currently under development.

Some highlights include:

• Banner images, Spotlight on the Library and Events & Exhibits blurbs that change randomly each time the page is opened.
• More simplified Hours page
• Ask a Librarian function is working, except for “In Person” which is still under development by I & IS.
• Tabbed Search
• What’s New in the Library, Spotlight on the Collection, and Events & Exhibits sections come from WordPress blogs
• E-Resource Portal
• Guides – Managed by the B/H I&IS and Dana Reference Departments using LibGuides

There was lively discussion about some sections of the new site, especially the Tabbed Search and E-Resource Portal sections.

Who is on the Web Team?

Libraries Web Team consists of Paul Philbin (Chair), Selene Colburn, Marcie Crocker, Dan DeSanto, Prudence Doherty (replacing Chris Burns), Lida Douglas, Keith Gresham, Birdie MacLennan, Donna O’Malley, Lyman Ross, Winona Salesky, and Catherine Tran.

Web Implementation Team consists of Lyman Ross (Chair), Marcie Crocker, Dan DeSanto, Lida Douglas, Elizabeth Hassemer, Winona Salesky, Catherine Tran, and Will Webb

Scott Schaffer commented about usability: “We use these resources more than our users. We are not the typical user.”

Next Steps:

• Check the wiki (http://library.uvm.edu:8080/wiki) for updates: Paul will be identifying a process for maintaining the website, including the blogs.

New timeline has been added to the wiki:

• June 30, 2008 – Finish E-Portal, Research Guides, Hours
• July 7, 2008 – Release of site for beta test and usability testing & feedback
• Aug 25, 2008 – Final site release

For extra credit:

• Read “Usability Issues for the Library Website Redesign” and “Usability Study Results Bullet List” (available from the wiki at http://library.uvm.edu:8080/wiki/index.php/Usability)
• Check the information from these documents against the site and give Paul feedback or post your comments right here.