Small libraries with great websites – Best Academic Library Websites 2012 – Part II

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.
Wheelock college website detail

Wheelock College Library site detail

  • 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.
  • 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:

  • Action verbs are everywhere: “Find,” Write,” “Ask,” “Search,” etc.
  • No “Interlibrary loan” link (thank you), instead, “Request items from other libraries.”

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.

Stonehill College website detail

Stonehill College library website detail

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