Library website gets a new look

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BY McMaster University Libraries

September 22, 2008

The library website has been redesigned to create a more user-friendly and interactive space for library users.

As part of the redesign, which took about a year to complete, many features have been added, such as Popular Links on the homepage, a new events calendar and reorganized subject guides with front-page access. Other features include a commenting feature on web pages and blog posts and the ability to add pages to social-bookmarking tools, such as Facebook and del.icio.us.

Another major change consists of a new navigation system that is accessible from every page on the website. It was designed to be intuitive for library users to find pertinent information. The navigation bar consists of sections such as Research, Using the Libraries, Teaching Support and Help, among others.

Some aspects of the website, however, did not undergo a great deal of transformation. Since many users primarily access the library's website to locate resources, the library catalogue, as well as links to article databases and e-journals, have remained the default on the home page.

Within 48 hours of going live, more than 50 comments about the new design were received, including the following:

  • “This new website is a huge improvement. Thanks for all your hard work!”
  • “At first I was annoyed that the website has been changed, but then I quickly found everything I needed. It's really intuitive now.”
  • “I love that I can find articles on my topic on the main page.”

    • Additional enhancements are planned for the website which is still in beta and continues to be tested and tweaked according to user feedback. If you have any questions or comments about the redesign, please contact Amanda Etches-Johnson at ext. 26006 or etchesa@mcmaster.ca.