Library Web Home Page Review
Project Sponsor
Web Operational Management Group
Background Information
The UW Library Web home page was last re-designed in August 2002. Since then, minor changes have been made as suggested mostly by staff in Information Services and Resources. Items have been added or changed as Library services underwent changes, without much consideration of the site as a whole. It is considered that a systematic review of the home page will help us evaluate and recommend changes to improve our service on the current Library website.
Furthermore, the task group will review and recommend a design compliant to the new campus standard when it becomes effective. It is recognized that the design of subsequent web pages will be affected as well.
The review will involve assessment of the Library Web's architecture and design, usability studies and assessment of accessibility. It is expected that project staff will develop skill sets for such during the process.
Objectives
- Assess and recommend changes to the current home page.
- Review and recommend a new design compliant to new campus standards and guidelines.
Membership
The Web Operational Management Group (WebOps) invited interested members from the Department of Information Services and Resources (ISR) and the Community Needs Assessment Committee (CNAC) to join this task group, the former for their interest and experience in public services and the latter for their experience in surveys of user need.
Tasks and Processes
To recommend changes to the current home page:
- Determine the methodology to review the functional areas and items on the current home page. Consult staff and conduct usability studies as needed.
- Recommend changes to the current home page.
To recommend a new design compliant to new campus standards and guidelines:
- Determine the methodology to further review the Library Web home page according to the new campus standards and guidelines.
- In an iterative process, re-draft the Library Web home page according to new campus standards. Consult Library staff and conduct usability tests during the process.
- Report and recommend a new design of the Library home page. Recommend design for subsequent pages as it relates the new home page.
Learning Together
- Information architecture processes
- Usability studies
- Web accessibility
Deliverables and Timeline
To recommend changes to the current home page:
- Report on processes and recommendations (December, 2004)
To recommend a new design compliant to new campus standards and guidelines:
- Report on processes and recommendations (Date not detemined)
It is estimated that this stage may take up to four months from the time when new campus standards and guidelines are finalized.
Learning Together
- Document knowledge and skill sets for future or continuous assessments of the Library home page and subsequent pages.
Members
- Christy Branston (ISR, WebOps)
- Rachel Caldwell (ISR)
- Helena Calogeridis (ISR)
- Marian Davies (ISR)
- Linda Hastings (WebOps)
- Sandra Keys (ISR)
- Esther Millar (WebOps)
- Marina Wan (ISR, WebOps; facilitator)
Lending support
- Bill Oldfield (WebOps)
- Shabiran Rahman (CNAC)
If you have any queries or concerns about this page, please contact .
July 14, 2005