This week’s usable library is: Hennepin County Public Library What I like: Recently redesigned: The previous design had a left menu with somewhat jargon-heavy links like “databases” and “subject guides.” The new site has a modern, fullscreen, fully responsive layout with large, clean fonts, lots of white space, a prominent search box, and less clutter. The…
Continue readingMonth: October 2014
Why library websites should not be designed by committee – Reblog of “The Ugly Truth About Library Websites”
I just read this post by M. Ryan Hess from 2013 and found it well worth a reblog: The Ugly Truth About Library Websites Hess points out that the poor usability of library websites is often due to how they are created: by committees of librarians, with little or no usability training, who are under…
Continue readingUsable Library of the Week – Brigham Young University
This week’s usable library is: Brigham Young University What I like: Recently re-designed: Modern, attractive, and fully responsive Non-bibliographic content such as library services and even librarian’s names are included in single search box discovery tool Library instruction is embedded throughout the site: see the Articles page, with prominent text “why should I also try databases…
Continue readingUsable Library of the Week – Sacramento Public Library
This week’s usable library is: Sacramento Public Library What I like: Online Services Login Guide at point-of-need on Research page Connect page features all social media in one place FAQ and “How Do I” on both home page and in navigation; prominent and usable Clutter-free layouts with large, readable fonts and lots of white space…
Continue readingPutting the user first – a book review
This recent ALA publication belongs on every librarian’s “must read” shelf: Putting the User First: 30 Strategies for Transforming Library Services By Courtney Greene McDonald Publisher: ACRL Date: August, 2014 ISBN: 978-0-8389-8732-2 Don’t be fooled by the size of this book (7 inches, 104 pgs): it is jam packed with practical advice. McDonald provides 30 strategies…
Continue readingUsable Library of the Week – MIT Library
This week’s usable library is: MIT Libraries What I like: Their homepage: recently redesigned! See before here. Updated look, good mobile functionality, and more intuitive menus. LibGuides and research assistance is prominent on the homepage: “Research Guides and Experts” E-Resource troubleshooting page
Continue readingUsable Library of the Week – Congregational Library and Archives
This week’s usable library is: Congregational Library and Archives What I like: Clean, modern, readable look and feel Easy navigation: clearly labeled site search and drop down menus
Continue readingTop 5 problems with library websites – a review of recent usability studies
What are the most common UX problems with academic library websites and library tools? I looked at 16 studies conducted over the past two years, and here is what I learned: What does that mean? Library jargon This was by far the most cited problem: 10 out of 16 studies reported library jargon. Not surprising,…
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