CAPT Web
Charge
The Library’s Framework for Strategic Action adopted in 2015 establishes the principles on which the Library’s web presence shall be maintained. The seven principle reaffirmed in the Framework are addressed below specifically for our web site.
Mission-focused: The Library web site has the ability to serve multiple purposes to forward the success of its own and the University’s mission. As the fifth largest library collection in the country, the University Library is an asset to existing members of the University community as well as an attractive enticement to potential faculty (both in and out of the Library), researchers and students. The Library site will embrace this dual role by engaging potential users while continuing to cater to the needs of existing users.
Action-oriented: The Library is home to some of the most unique collections and innovative research in academia. We are also housing an unmanageable number of web pages (over 17,000 at last count). We need to commit to centralizing and culling our common content and establish an embargo policy that requires regular review and revision of existing content. This will allow more time, space, and effort to be focused on showcasing what makes the Library more than your average academic library.
User-focused: Our user base is vast and dynamic, crossing all demographics of age, experience, income, education, culture, and comfort with technology. The Library site needs to provide a digital crossroads through which all these populations can travel with security of purpose and satisfaction in destination. The site must be inclusive without being common, and meet each user as their level of understanding, respectful of their information needs.
Evidence-based: We will utilize Google Analytics and user testing to quantify the levels of success achieved throughout the site, but we will be data-informed rather than data-driven. Content receiving little user attention could require greater exposure to generate interest. The human element will continue to balance against trend lines and survey samples.
Inclusive: The goal will be to integrate universal design techniques into our site to such an extent that “accessibility” will stop being seen as a hurdle or a checkpoint to overcome. As in design, so we will integrate content detailing library technologies and services utilized by users with disabilities with content detailing library technologies and services assumed to be used by users without disabilities. While people enjoy being singled-out for accomplishments, they do not enjoy being singled out for such arbitrary things as a disability.
Empowering: The Library web site will be future-facing. The groundwork for this is accomplished through three avenues: 1. Continual technical exploration and expansion of what can be supported in our WordPress environment; 2. Commitment to an iterative progression through our pages ensuring regular assessment and revision of our content and its presentation; 3. Strategic creation and storage of content aimed at centralizing commonalities whenever possible.
Leading: In the Age of Google users have information at their fingertips but lack the tools to convert information into knowledge. Context and authority are the missing pieces in that equation and the Library specializes in both. By focusing our efforts on emphasizing the difference between information and knowledge, and instilling in our users a respect for critical analysis of information, the Library will continue to underscore its relevance in society.
The Group consists of nine members including five appointed members based on their roles within the Library. The four remaining members will be selected by CAPT from faculty, academic professionals, and civil service employees who respond to an email requesting volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to submit a statement on why they wish to serve on the working group. Consideration in selection will be based on these statements as well as CAPT’s desire to provide a broad overview of different Library units, collections, and user needs. Members will serve 2-year terms. Volunteer members may serve two consecutive terms. Appointed members’ number of consecutive terms are not limited due to critical, professional expertise.
Membership Details
The Group consists of nine members including five appointed members based on their roles within the Library. The four remaining members will be selected by CAPT from faculty, academic professionals, and civil service employees who respond to an email requesting volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to submit a statement on why they wish to serve on the working group. Consideration in selection will be based on these statements as well as CAPT’s desire to provide a broad overview of different Library units, collections, and user needs. Members will serve 2-year terms. Volunteer members may serve two consecutive terms. Appointed members’ number of consecutive terms are not limited due to critical, professional expertise.
The UX and Web Strategy Coordinator chairs the Working Group.