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Western Libraries is developing which will be ready to use by the start of winter quarter 2017.  For many students, staff, and faculty, the library website is the primary portal through which they discover and access collections, arrange for instruction support services, and connect with research expertise. Because of this, the library website must contain useful information and be accessible and easy to use.

The Re-Design Process

The website redesign team sought and utilized data from user analytics, web usability best practices, and user feedback throughout the design process. Some examples of activities that informed the design are below:

• Website Review: During the 2015 fall quarter, Western Libraries conducted a thorough website review and identified which services, collections, and resources were highly-trafficked. This information informed the development of improved discovery strategies. 
• Card Sort Usability Activity: During the 2016 winter quarter, Western Libraries conducted a  that directly informed the design of the new website infrastructure. 
• Personnel Survey: In the spring of 2016, Western Libraries surveyed library personnel in order to identify website-related frustrations commonly reported by library patrons. This information was used to design and implement solutions to commonly-reported problems.
• User Testing: During fall quarter 2016, the Libraries invited volunteers to participate in usability sessions. Participants conducted a series of brief activities and offered their feedback which was then integrated into the new website design. (Please see the .) 

Website Improvements

Based on the information acquired through these activities, and the expertise shared via Western Libraries’ partnerships with  and , the new website for Western Libraries improves existing functionality and introduces features intended to enrich the user experience.

• Streamlined menus and improved navigation should result in better discovery of services, spaces, collections, and expertise.
• Likewise, the new website features a better mobile design and has stronger web accessibility features.
• Key information about library hours, contact information for various service points, and patron-specific services are featured prominently on the homepage. 
• Communication channels (i.e., phone, Chat, or e-mail) are highlighted in prominent locations on the homepage, and the  will allow patrons to quickly locate events within the Libraries.

Check out the New Site!

For a sneak peek at what’s to come, you can see a preview here:   (For off-campus access, you will need  in order to view the site.) Please keep in mind the site is still under development and will undergo additional user-driven changes before completed.

Questions? Comments? Western Libraries is grateful for and welcomes your feedback. Please contact Head of the Resource Discovery Unit, Rebecca.Marrall@wwu.edu.