Rewriting Glenviewpl.

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UX for Libraries Susan Kelly


Home Page, Glenview Public Library

I grew up going to Glenview Public Library as it was better than my hometown's.
It's a good library in a new impressive building, but the website should be
redesigned. All the clutter and clashing colors on Glenview Library's website
make my head spin.

Therefore, I've chosen a few of Glenview's pages to rewrite using the concepts
from Redish's Letting Go of Words. Overall, there's a lot of centered type, word
walls and an impersonal tone.

Throughout this proposal you will find underlined blue text on items that would be
linked to appropriate pages. These are not live links. The links shown in
expository paragraphs, rather than the proposed website, are live.

Home Page
I suggest reducing the noise on the home page and boiling down the text. I'd like
the page to look more like Skokie Public Library's site with elements of the Opera
browser's mobile version Coast. Glenview's library has a Frank Lloyd Wright
inspired interior with stained glass lampshades. I wanted the icons to reflect
them. I don't have access to a good drawing program so I used Excel for a rough
prototype.

Imagine better colors, a muted background that's a monochromatic drawing of
the recently built library and better fonts. Also, I'd like the top of the orange circle
to go behind the calendar, but I couldn't get Excel to do that. Below I wanted to
show the visual elements and streamlined text.


Rough prototype - there'd be no grid lines

When you click on a link, you'd get an expanded view of that topic. If all the links
were opened the text shown would be:

How do I . . . ? *
Get a library card
This would link to page with step by step directions and policy.
Find and get library materials
Would link to page with descriptions for each genre and format found in
the collection, pathfinders, YouTube instructional videos and contact
information.
Renew a book online
Would link to an explanation
Use the computers, 3D printer or scanners
Would link to page with instructions
Get help with my research
Would link to new reference page with list of databases, Ask a Librarian
form, contact information for Reference Desk and YouTube videos on
searching
Make a suggestion
Links to contact page with a form soliciting suggestions

Books
What should I read next?
How can you help me with this assignment?
How can you help my book club?
Will you take a donation?
Where's the Friends of the Library shop?
How do I get a book from another library?

Movies and Music
Would link to A/V departments page

Research
What resources do you have?
What can you tell me about . . .?
How can you help me with my homework? (Teen)
How can you help me with my homework? (Kids)
How can you help me with genealogy?

Job Search Help

Events

Technology

Support the Library


General Services Page



The general services page needed fewer words and a more conversational tone.
I would create a list of questions and answers. The questions would be visible
and to get the answer, patrons would click on the question and the text to see the
information they need. I would suggest a new header and sidebars, consistent
with the revised homepage.

Our Services

What do I do if I . .?
need a library card
To get a library card, you should visit our circulation desk. Glenview
residents and businesses need to show i.d. with proof of address.
If you live or do business outside of Glenview, you may buy a library card.

have a disability and need assistance

Adults: Contact Reference Services x 7700 or Reader Services x7600 so
we can accommodate you. If you need assistance to attend an event,
please give us 5 days' notice.

Youth: Contact Youth Services x 7500 for children's programs.

Adaptive Tools: We have large print books, an ADA computer, LED
magnifiers, HD video magnifiers, personal amplifiers, Adapt-a-Lap devices
and wheel chairs available. The library has handicapped parking, ramps
and elevators. Please let us know how we can best serve you.

need to make copies
You can make color copies for 50 and black and white copies for 10 in
the copy center on the first floor.

want to put an item on hold
You can log in and search the catalog. When you see an item you like,
click the place a hold icon.

want to pick up items on hold
You can pick up items on hold at the Circulation Desk or use our drive-up
window on Prairie Street. Call the Circulation Department at 847-729-7700
x7500 to arrange to use the drive-up window.

am homebound
If you are homebound, we can bring library materials to your home. You
need a valid library card. Call our Outreach Librarian at 847-7229-7500
x 2612 to apply.

want to exchange paperbacks
You can exchange old paperbacks and magazines by dropping off your
materials in the exchange bins in the library lobby. Check out what's there
and help yourself to find your next great read.


want to register for a program
Many library programs require pre-registration, which can be made in
person, by phone or online.

Youth Programs 847-729-7700 x 900
Reader Programs 847-729-75600 x7600
Reference Services 847-729-7500 x7700

want to reserve a meeting room
You can call the Business Office at 847-729-7500 x2113 to reserve a
public meeting room or technology lab. Information on procedures and
fees is described here.

want to reserve a study room
If you have a Glenview library card, you can reserve a study room by
contacting Youth services x7900 or Reference services x7700. Note: I'd
advise offering an online form for reservations since the patron's already
online when reading this.

print via wifi
You can print via wifi using our wifi printing service. (Black and white 10
page and color 50). Please read the PDF instructions before printing.

Notes

I think it's confusing that both Reader Services and Reference are listed for
program registration, but there's no information on when each is appropriate. I'd
think online registration would be preferred here as the patron is already on the
Internet.

I eliminated the Floor Plan and information on vending machines as I thought that
information isn't needed for remote patrons. This information should be provided
at the library.

Computer Workshop Page


Again this page is a word wall that Redish would insist on changing. I agree. I'd
make the page more conversational, concise and streamlined. The title, date and
time of the class would be visible, but users would get the class description by
clicking on its title. For the header photo I'd use an image of the library's
computer lab, not the stacks. All type would be aligned to the left. While I
changed the text, I didn't change course names, which in a few cases should be
changed for more consistency or appeal.

____________________________________________________________
Computer Workshops (Rewritten)

We ask patrons with valid library cards to register as class size is limited. You
may register by clicking on the time and date of the workshop. Please contact
Reference Services in person or by phone (847) 729-7599 x7700 with questions
or to register by phone.


Basic Skills Classes

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2010
Wednesday, July 9, 2-3:30 pm

For those completely new to Microsoft Word 2010

This class covers:

Creating a document
Saving a document
Printing a document
Using spell check
Using templates
(Patrons need to know what's covered in each class. This class had no
objectives posted so I improvised.)

Intermediate Microsoft Word 2010
Tuesday, July 29, 2-3:30 pm

This class covers:
Formatting documents
Inserting photos and images
Creating charts
Merging documents

New! Intermediate Excel 2010
Wednesday, July 30, 2-3:30 pm

This class covers:

Using formulas
Creating tables and charts

iPad & iPhone
Bring your own device to these workshops in our Multipurpose Room.
Remember to charge them before you come.


Getting Started with iPad/iPhone
Thursday, July 10, 7-8:30 pm or
Thursday, August 14, 7-8:30 pm

This class covers using:
external features
buttons
apps

Going Further
Monday, July 28, 7-8:30 pm or
Monday, August 25, 7-8:30 pm

This class covers using:
settings
messaging
calendar
notes and more


Special Subjects

Beyond Google Drop-in Group
First Monday of each month, 7-8:30 pm
Explore the latest developments and enhance your search techniques. Your
questions will drive the session. New members welcome.
No registration needed.

Facebook 101
Friday, July 17, 2-3:30 pm

This class covers:
signing up
creating a profile
adding friends
posting updates, photos and articles

Chicago Consumer Checkbook, Consumer Reports & More
Thursday, July 18, 2-3:30 pm

This class covers using our databases for:
investing
smart shopping
small business help

Genealogy
Researching Your Chicago Relatives
Wednesday, July 9, 7 - 8:30 pm

This course covers:
researching government records, neighborhood histories
searching the Web to research
using genealogical societies and major library's sources

Getting Started with Ancestry.com
Tuesday July 22, 6 - 7:30 pm

This course covers:
using the basic features of Ancestry.com

HeritageQuest.com
Tuesday, August 12, 2 - 3:30

This course covers:
using HeritageQuest.com to find census records, family and local histories
glen