By Erica Flint and Brianna Parfaite
After two years of research, usability tests, and design work, we are happy to announce that the new website for the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Libraries is live! The new website includes updated content, multiple access points for our most common services, and a webpage specifically for faculty resources. This is a great accomplishment for the KSU Libraries and will help all of our users to easily find and use our resources and services. Check our new website here: University Libraries
Developing a new website took a lot of time and hard work from our dedicated team. Our project started with the creation of the Library Website Implementation Committee which worked to update our out-of-date content during our reorganization. From there, we were able to create and conduct a usability study to get direct data and feedback from our KSU students, faculty, and community members. We used this data to ensure that our redesign was user-focused and informed by our unique community.
Usability testing revealed that many users found our navigation confusing, and they were reluctant to use it. Labels using library-centric language such as “Services” and “Resources” were vague, leaving users unsure of what information could be found in those sections. Additionally, the navigation structure (plus signs to reveal subpages) led to users accessing different content or being unable to locate content on subpages. To eliminate the discoverability issue caused by the navigation structure, we flattened the primary navigation menu and used icons at the top of pages to access subpages. We replaced the library-centric language with user-centric labels such as “Borrow & Request” and “Research Support.”
In our tests with faculty, we discovered that many were unfamiliar with our website and services. Many users attempted to locate a webpage specifically for faculty members, but it did not exist. When they found themselves frustrated in trying to navigate the website, they shared that they would rather email someone or visit the check-out desk. To help our faculty, we created a Faculty Resources page that can be directly accessed in our navigation. It features Instruction Support, Faculty Borrowing Privileges, Affordable Materials for Your Classroom, Scholarly Publishing & Research, and Open Access information!
Finally, we noticed that many users, especially KSU community members, would scroll to the university footer at the bottom of the page for information. Clicking on links in the university footer directed users away from the library website and caused confusion and difficulty navigating back to the library website. While we were unable to remove the university footer, we attempted to help users by adding a library footer with relevant links and library specific information before users went to the university footer.
Thank you to everyone at KSU that helped make our new website possible (especially those that served on the Library Website Implementation Committee)!
To learn more about the Kennesaw State University Libraries, go to https://www.kennesaw.edu/library/.
