This is the second post in my series Best Academic Library Websites 2012. Today I’m going to highlight three outstanding small academic library sites:
1) Wheelock College library has long been one of my favorite small school sites (under 900 enrollment). Here are some highlights:
- A good “using the search box” link that helps make sense of all those search options (catalog, databases, journals, oh my!). Unobtrusive embedded help links .. good stuff.
- They’ve put the words “discovery and writing” on their “research help” link, and given it prominence at the top of the page. Easy to find, easy to understand.
- They explain what research guides are instead of just linking to them, and the guides include concise but useful descriptions of resources.
- The research guides are created in the CMS, not an external vendor, so the interface remains constant and users don’t feel like they’ve left the site.
2) Champlain College’s site (3,000 enrollment) is loaded with helpful information for students – but remains easy to navigate:
- Right in the center of the page are “HELP! I need to…” quick links including a “start my research project” page.
- Action verbs are everywhere: “Find,” Write,” “Ask,” “Search,” etc.
- No “Interlibrary loan” link (thank you), instead, “Request items from other libraries.”
- Excellent in-house video tutorials. If you haven’t seen these yet, check ’em out. They have videos on “starting research,” “popular vs. scholarly,” and my favorite, how to find resources on the library website.
3) If you are looking for articles, you won’t get confused on Stonehill College’s library site. Their “How to find articles” link right on the center home page is hard to miss. And their database links are embedded in the help pages, providing context for novice researchers.
One thought on “Small libraries with great websites – Best Academic Library Websites 2012 – Part II”