NCSU Libraries Focus Online

Volume 26 number 1 - Fall 2005

Welcome to the NCSU Libraries New Web Site

By Kristin Antelman, Information Technology

In the decade since the NCSU Libraries released its first Web site, it has undergone only two major redesigns. When it became clear that it was time to refresh the look and feel of the site, library staff took the opportunity to rethink the entire site from the ground up.

Over the last eighteen months, multiple teams of librarians and technical staff have worked hard to not only refresh the look of the site, but also to add major new features for library users. The goals for the redesign were ambitious: to enhance access to the entire collection--both print and digital--and to improve the discoverability and usability of library services. The new site went public on August 10, 2005.

One new feature that will surely prove to be popular is the search box that now appears on all library Web pages. The user’s query is examined behind the scenes in an attempt to bring the best link to the top of the search results, an approach similar to popular Internet search engines. A “most-used” list is another way that users can get to popular databases and services with a single click.

The “MyLibrary@NCState” service has also been reconceptualized in the new design. “MyLibrary@NCState,” introduced in 1998, was ahead of its time in offering library users the ability to customize their library experience by selecting favorite journals and databases to appear on their “MyLibrary” home page. The new “My Library” does not require users to move into a separate “MyLibrary” space. After logging in with a valid university ID, users can access their “Library Account” at the top of the home page and see electronic reserves for any courses in which they are enrolled by using “My Courses.” “My Links,” a bookmark-like service for library resources, and “Alerts,” a customizable set of journal tables of contents, will debut later this fall. Another new feature of the site is “Browse Subjects,” which lets users browse library resources by subjects customized to NC State’s colleges and curriculums. New search features have also been added to the library’s catalog. Users can search or browse a “New Titles” list and can easily limit catalog searches to certain types of materials such as electronic books or videos.

The new “Community” section of the Web site provides links to the Friends of the Library, a calendar of events, information about giving to the library, and more. Coming soon to “Community” will be a new tool that will give students, faculty, and staff the ability to create their own blogs. By offering online collaborative tools such as blogs, the NCSU Libraries can provide students with the technology tools they want to use and help them to be successful in integrating use of library and information resources with personal study and learning styles.

With the Web now recognized as the medium of choice for accessing information--including library resources and services--the importance of the library’s electronic “front door” has grown. The redesigned Web site was built with the ambitious goal of welcoming users to the library virtually and getting them quickly to the information resources they need (see http://www.lib.ncsu.edu). To send comments or questions about the new Web site, please go to http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/contactus/.