New Library website available for preview, comment

Friday, January 16, 2009, By News Staff

Pamela McLaughlin
(315) 443-9788

The University Library has released a beta version of its new website for trial and comment. The beta site, found at http://libtest2.syr.edu, is available from on-campus locations at this time and will be available from off campus in the near future. Visitors can make comments and suggestions via a survey form prominently located on the new site.

The graphical and navigational design of the site was based on Syracuse University’s new Website Design Style Guide. The design was also guided in large measure by input from users gathered during a series of feedback sessions held in the library and elsewhere on campus during the fall.

One of the most notable features in the beta website is a new integrated search tool. Based on user needs for better guidance in navigating the website, the new search was created to direct users to all types of information, regardless of its source or location. The federated search includes a broad range of “silos” of information (the catalog, e-journals, databases, SU Library website, SU digital collections, Google, etc.) and also leads to more advanced research tools.

Other features of the new site include new top-level and second-level page navigation; an interactive library map; real-time library hours; a staff directory; tagging; session recording; bread crumbs; new photo and image content; and a tool showing availability of public workstations.

Some additional new features and content are under development and will be added to the beta site over the course of the spring semester. In addition to more content, other functionality that will be added includes new subject pages using LibGuides program; Mybrary, which allows users to create a personalized library webpage with their favorite resources, saved searches, feeds, etc. (similar to iGoogle and MyYahoo); blogs and wikis; video content; and a room reservations tool.

For more information on this project, contact DeAnn Buss at 443-2977 or dmbuss@syr.edu.