A recent refresh of the McGoogan Library catalog interface will provide users with a “cleaner … less cluttered” experience.
That’s how McGoogan’s Alison Bobal describes the new look, adding that the update is more visually appealing and intuitive and created with accessibility in mind.
Visitors to the catalog today will meet an image of the library’s colorful “spine” of books and journals, along with a simple search bar and five boxes that address frequent user needs, such as reserving study rooms, anatomical model pickups and more.
Bobal praised Library IT Systems Coordinator Beau Billings’ work leading the implementation, a job which literally began on Day One of his tenure. Billings, Bobal and others worked to preserve and carry over the best, most functional aspects of the previous interface; received input from teams across the library on how the catalog should work; and surveyed library staffers on color schemes and design elements.
Catalog users will more immediately be able to find the information they seek. And an update to the search functionality allows for more natural language if the user is unsure which exact keywords to use.
On the library’s end, the system allows for quicker, easier changes to the interface.
On the whole, the catalog feels more welcoming, Bobal said, which should satisfy users looking for the best information along the best timeline possible.
As library users interact with the refreshed site, they can contact the library through AskUs with any questions or feedback.