Website Redesign

The Library @ Stevens Institute Website Redesign Project 2007

Why Redesign?

Although the redesign of any website inherently carries some risks, probably the most notable of which is making major changes to a resource that is already familiar to its users, the ever-evolving nature of the internet and the emergence of web 2.0 1 concepts makes an update desirable, if not necessary. Website success can often be traced back to several important concepts, including simplicity in design , logical organization and navigation , media richness , and interactivity 2 . In that vein, the new site should be more intuitive to navigate , and organized to facilitate ease of finding information for all levels of user experience. There should be a focus on technologies enabling communication and interactivity throughout the site, and access to resources and services should be seamless 3 .

Sources : [1] McFedries, P. (2006). The Web, Take Two. IEEE Spectrum, 43(6), 68-68 . [2] Palmer, J. (2002). Web Site Usability, Design, and Performance Metrics. Information Systems Research, 13(2) , 151-167 . [3] ACRLog: Formula for Academic Library Success ( http://acrlblog.org/2007/05/14/formula-for-academic-library-success/ )

Objectives:

Clear, concise and logical navigation

Simple, elegant design

Advertise news and upcoming events

Showcase art found within the library

Make database list easier to navigate

New features such as a message board, policy page, news blog, improved, interactive newsletter

Chief Goals:

Optimize space on homepage

Improve navigation

Clean up content

Integrate web 2.0 technology (interactability)

Optimized Layout

Better use of space on homepage

Optimize “prime real estate” for important items

Where are users used to looking for their info?

Improved Navigation:

Navigation on three levels:

Guided navigation for new users (on homepage only)

Logical hierarchical navigation for normal users (on left-hand side of each page)

Quicklinks – direct to resources – for expert users (on top right of every page)

Source : Stephen Abram- http://www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Company/Abram/ny_metro.pdf

________________ Expanded Navigation

Re-organized Navigation

Better distinction between first and second level navigation…

Possible new organization

Suggestions?

Cleaned-up Content:

Redo database list to include alphabetical anchor and subject links ( see Rutgers db page )

Update “Resources by Academic Discipline” pages

Combine multiple pages on same topic using anchor links (ex. Basic Library Research pages could easily be combined into one page )

Integrate Web 2.0 Technology:

News Blog ( eSource )

Online/IM Reference (AIM, MSN, Yahoo, GoogleTalk via Meebo and Meebo chat rooms for multiple users and co-browsing)

MySpace Page , Facebook accounts, groups for outreach, message boards

Professor Course Pages? (del.icio.us, PBWiki)

Why Blog?

Keep Stevens community informed about library news & events

Draw attention to content buried in library site

Show how active and necessary library is

Make library relevant to those not using “traditional” library services and resources by highlighting interesting web resources, services and technologies

Keep us VISIBLE!

Just thinking out loud…

What technologies are the students and professors already using? Let’s bring the library to them (without investing in new technology just because it’s “new and cool”)…

Can we find a way for professors to create course/subject pages with important links, or a way for professors to contribute to our “resources by discipline” (since they are the subject-specialists) [Course Resource Wiki]