WEBSITE REDESIGN:RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARYSKBJ AssociatesLaura Buell

Erica Johns

Ann Sneesby-Koch

IS 590 Information Architecture12/3/12

Introduction• Library’s Mission:

Inform. Enrich. Empower.

• Overall Redesign goal: Streamline &

Simplify

Redesign Goals

Information Architecture

• Incorporate the two sets of global navigation tabs into one set and rename the tabs with more inclusive terms in order to streamline the organizational structure.

• Create a globally accessible side bar, “Quick Links,” with links to calendar, events, blog, etc. Although these links will be included under their corresponding tab as part of the overall organizational scheme, the “Quick Links” will provide immediate access to frequently consulted pages.

• Include links to the RPL Facebook page, RPL blog, and Teen Tumblr on the homepage of the website

• Address lack of mobile page• Increase discoverability of classes and events by

including multiple links to the RPL class and event calendar.

• Integrate an online registration application accessible from the calendar, Class descriptions, and Quick Links

Interface

• Current homepage is cluttered with navigational features that could be combined under one set of globally navigated tabs.

• Static graphics dominate the current page. Put the space to better use by featuring dynamic content that links to current events, social media, and featured library material.

• Eliminate non-functional features and below the “fold” content in order to restrain the homepage to one frame.

• Make the Catalog Search function more prominent on the homepage and all content pages.

Research Methods

•Website Evaluation

•Interview•Survey

RPL Mission and Website Content

Organization and Functionality

Interview

•Semi-structured•Face-to-face•Two participants

•Branch Manager•Teen Librarian

Research: User Survey

User Survey• The calendar isn’t great. The databases aren’t apparent. I wish you could sign

up for classes online…A mobile site would be nice

• This website is not user friendly. There are too many useless links and everything seems compressed.

• [T]he system is difficult to navigate and requires entering queries multiple times. There are also redundant links and links that direct a user to either the wrong page or a loop of incorrect links.

• The calendar is confusing. It is hard to find the databases. It is not particularly easy to navigate. But I need the information and have figured out how to use it…[B]uttons to face book and social network sites, better headings so you know where to look for databases, calendars and location information [would make the site useful].

• Keep the website simple. More user participation in the catalog.

SITE STRUCTURE• SKBJ Associates presents the redesign of the Richmond

Public Library (RPL) website!

• Blueprints and Wireframes:

Visually communicate how the redesign will affect the navigation, labels, and organization of information on the website.

• Blueprints = Navigation and Labeling

• Wireframes = Organization of Content

BLUEPRINTS

Legend

Richmond Public Library

Homepage

About the Library

Find Information

Events & Classes Community

SeniorsTeensChildrenFamily

Overdrive: Download e-

Books and Audiobooks

Upcoming Events

Globally NavigatedMajor Subject Categories

Pages accessible from major subject category’s drop down menu

Main Page

Your Account

Contact Us

Globally Navigated Content Pages

Locations

General Information

Policies & Procedures

History

Friends of the Library

Catalog

Online Library

Book Reviews

Law Library

Internet LinksLibrary Board

Foundation

RPL Blog

Family

Children’s

Teens

Seniors

Event Calendar

Event Calendar

Relationship between pages or components accessible from home page

Relationship between pages or components accessible from subject categories

Page Navigated from Homepage

Overdrive Search Page

Page component (search application that appears on a page)

Search Online Catalog

Figure 2: Blueprint of Current RPL Website

Richmond Public Library Blueprint: Website Homepage (November 2012) http://www.richmondpubliclibrary.org/index.asp

Global Sidebar Links (“Quick Links” )

Legend

Richmond Public Library

Homepage

Your Account

Contact Us

About the Library Community Events &

ClassesStart

Browsing

Branch and Location

Hours

Get a Library

Card

RPL Information and History

Board and Foundation

Friends of the Library

and Donations

Children and

Families

Teens

Adults

Class Descriptions

Calendar

Regular Events

Sign up for Classes

Reserve a Community

Room

Online Library Catalog

Online Journals

and Databases

Geneaology

Law Library

Special Collections

Overdrive: Download e-

Books and Audiobooks

Sign up for a Library Card

Calendar and Sign up for

Classes

Get Connected

(Social Media Area)

Search Online Catalog

Relationship between pages or components accessible from home page

Relationship between pages or components accessible from subject categories

Main Page

Globally NavigatedMajor Subject Categories

Pages accessible from major subject category’s drop down menu

Globally Navigated Page Links

Access to similar pages containing links to resources

Upcoming Events

Great Reads

RPL Blog and Teen Tumblr

Page component containing “teaser” content from RPL social networking sites

Figure 3: Blueprint RPL redesign

Richmond Public Library Blueprint: Website Home Page (proposed redesign)

Figure 4: Blueprint RPL Redesign Calendar

Richmond Public Library Blueprint: Events Calendar (proposed)

Figure 5: Blueprint RPL Redesign Task Analysis

Richmond Public Library Blueprint: Sign up for a class (proposed application)

WIREFRAMESRPL Current Homepage

Current Teen Content Page

Proposed RPL Homepage

Proposed Teen Content Page

Proposed Teen Content Page (2)

Proposed RPL Calendar

Proposed Class Sign-Up

Proposed Confirmation Page