Library Mobile Websites

All libraries should have a mobile website - I won't point out who doesn't but for those who do there are a number of critical design points. The University of Florida's Health Science Center Libraries and the University of Ottawa's hit the mark on what matters most to academic library users.

The University of Florida (UF) has a great little slide show promoting services such as 3D printing and media production suites for loan, as well as news including the relocation of their hardcopy journals and the National Library Exhibit currently at UF titled "Lit of Prescription". The slide show is easy and natural to navigate with one con that it doesn't loop. Following the slide show they provide a section called "Quick Links". Presumably these links would be high traffic links that users primarily navigate to on the desktop version of the website. Next they have a health news section, calendar of exhibits and events, a donation promotion section and the university footer. One thing that is missing is an option to view the website in "desktop view". This is really a must for users who prefer the regular website.

In the case of the University of Ottawa's mobile library website they organize and emphasize information in a different manner. While I really like how they have emphasized some things I think they would benefit from a reorg similar to the UF mobile website. I would move the grey set of links that are at the top of the page down or into a corner menu such as with UF's site to give quicker access to the material below which has been developed to be quick and easy to access. The set of grey links are the horizontal navigation bar of drop down options from the desktop site and seem excessive for the main page of a library mobile website. In defense the library may be restricted by their mobile website software and the library system is quite large and has a lot of information to share as it services all University of Ottawa libraries.

Otherwise I think Ottawa's mobile website is great. I like how they present students with the ability to quickly search for course reserves and access research options, services and hours. They too are missing a desktop view options though - perhaps I am just too picky?

Mobile Charging Stations

A popular trend in libraries right now are mobile charging stations. These stations allow users to charge their mobile devices (phones, tablets etc.) from a variety brands. Not only are these stations a great way to meet the technological needs of library users but also to enhance the library space visually and promote the library brand.

The stations can be wall mounted, pedestal based or available in locker form. The later (image 1) allows users to lock their device in individual lockers to charge. The mounted charging station (image 2) takes a great approach including the library's branding and pertinent security information on the shelf of the station. "Your Device. Your Responsibility".

Libraries interested in purchasing a charging station can work with designers from companies such as KwikBoost, GoCharger, and InCharged to support the design process at normally no additional cost.

Moveable Library Furniture

A major trend in library space design is movable library furniture. This furniture complies with the design principle of affordance allowing library users to create solo or group study spaces on the fly. Furniture available is both modern and pleasing to the eye and comes in a variety of forms. In images 1 and 3 you can see the whiteboards and wall dividers on castors breaking the barriers of fixed whiteboards and study rooms. Additionally, in images 2-4 the movable tables and chairs allow for group study up to how ever many chairs there are in the room! This form and function enables students to complete their required tasks and not feel as though they are in a stuffy rigid environment. While not movable booth seating is also popular these days giving the library environment a feeling similar to a restaurant or coffee shop and inspiring collaboration.

There are number of functional factors surrounding the design principles of the factor of safety and flexibility-usability tradeoff that need to be considered in relation to movable furniture. With movable furniture fixed elements such as lighting and electrical fixtures need to be considered. Having floor or wall outlets can help mitigate access and safety issues such as stretched our cables which create tripping hazards. Additionally proper spacing between walk-ways to emergency doors etc. need ot be considered. Limits will need to be placed on where furniture can be moved to prevent obstruction of emergency exits. This may mean having some fixed furniture in those areas to prevent moveable furniture from entering them.

Writing Workshop/Services Posters

With the advent of the e-book and online journal library physical spaces have evolved from spaces full of books and journals to places where people come to study alone, collaborate with peers and access the many services libraries have to offer.

This includes workshops and services that focus on areas of study and peoples interest. Such services depend a great deal on good PR and word of mouth. The following two examples are of posters promoting writing workshops offered through an Academic Library (left) and a Public Library (right).

The Academic Library poster is missing some key information essential for any good poster. Where is the writing center? What are their hours? Who has access? Additionally the design itself is too simple and feels outdated. While we have limited access to graphic design in libraries there are many tools and resources we can utilize such as Picasa, SnagIT and Word that all offer great text, background and image control options. This poster sort of just reminds me of how boring APA and editing are...this could really relate to the design principle of threat detection. 

The Public Library poster on the right hits the mark. It speaks to the creative writing crowd with the idea bubble above the girls head. The girl has thoughtful round blue eyes and appears neutral and like the everyday person who may choose to access this workshop. The poster also includes essential information such as what the workshop includes, dates and location, costs etc. The poster has also been appropriately branded with the library's contact information. It is appropriately placed and does not interfere with the overall content.

Summary: 

• Give your audience essential details they need to access the resource or service advertised. 
• If using images of people use folks who one would actually see around the institution or library that users can relate to. 
• Too simple isn't good. 
• Take advantage of free and paid-for graphic design software applications. 
• Don't promote boring. 
• Brand library posters. 

Welcome to Design & Libraries

Design & Libraries is a blog where Librarians can draw inspiration for design initiatives including promotional activities, website design and creative space solutions. 

The blog is an initiative of the Canadian Library Association (CLA) and will be freely accessible to those working in libraries around the world. 

The primary goal of the blog is to provide Librarians with library applicable examples of best practices in design. 

Our goal is to post once a week! If you have ideas for posts or would like to be featured as a guest write contact designandlibraries@gmail.com.

*Note this blog is for course assignment only and not actually affiliated with CLA.