Creating a Client-Centered, Integrated and Flexible Academic Library Website

Academic libraries have been creating digital library experiences for about thirty years. Unfortunately, these experiences are often not good for library clients. Library staff have so much to tell staff and students, great resources to recommend, and many disparate systems to deliver this information. This creates an ad-hoc information architecture with the same details entered into three different systems in the hope that a client will stumble across the information and save it as a bookmark. The University of Sydney Library has successfully launched a new digital presence that is centred in user experience-both in design and content. They have condensed and reshaped the available information, including ceasing use of LibGuides in preference of a less-is-more approach, which was supported by user research and testing. Aiding sustainability, they integrated when possible to pull information from key systems, including Alma and LibCal, enabling a single source of truth. They also worked with First Nations staff and students to deliver a more culturally safe and welcoming digital library.
Jennifer Stanton, University of Sydney
Maddie Wilson, University of Sydney
Ben Griffiths, University of Sydney
CNI Pre-Recorded Project Briefing Series
May 2024 Edition
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