Library Visit #3
Wayne State University Library System: https://library.wayne.edu/
Wayne State University Library System website reflects the school colors of green and yellow. A banner indicates that all libraries are now open and no longer need reservations but masks must be worn at all times. A reminder that no so long ago, libraries were shut down. A menu bar gives users options for “Resources” including article databases, the catalog, and e-journal, and more. With a total of 13 links to access hundreds of thousands of material both in-house and outsourced.
The second bucket of menu items is categorized under “Services.” The impressive list offers users chat, text, zoom, email and call options “Ask-A-Librarian” for help. If you can’t get a hold of a librarian immediately, there is an extensive FAQ along with the choice to request an appointment. In addition Wayne State offers options for instruction, research support, rental of rooms and spaces and equipment loans. The services pages not only offer written information but also video tutorials on how to access the services. There is a link to share feedback on how to improve the services the library offers.
The third menu choice offers general “Information” with links to the five libraries in the Wayne State University System including: law, medical, undergraduate, and special collections libraries. The information menu offers maps, directions, hours of operation, staff directory. My favorite link was the “App Lab.” The is shows a glimpse inside of the active projects of the university libraries’ web team. For those who like seeing data of collections, usage and search records, this was an excellent resource.
Wayne State offers a “Subject of the Month” featuring resources on specific thematic subjects. October was “Ghost Hunting” with links to local paranormal groups, zoom events, books, e-books, and exhibitions. Tied to the season, local community, and college students interests this programming is right on target.
According to the American Libraries article, “How user friendly is your website?” Wayne State University Library System nearly doubled their usage from 3,900 visits in 2019 to 6,300 visits in fall 2020 semester (Landgraf, 2021). Focusing on accessibility and readability, enhancements were made to support the user’s needs to provide a better experience. (Landgraf, 2021).
I found that Wayne State University Library System’s website was worth highlighting. I liked that the menu bar was present on every page, so that you could easily find what you were looking for. Often you get into a website and get lost looking for the breadcrumbs to get back to where you started. There were multiple options on many different platforms to seek help. The font and design were clear and easy to read. There were options for academic support, community programming and social media connections. Students and faculty at Wayne State University are fortunate that their library website offers so many great resources.
Resources
Landgraf, G. (2021, March/April). How user-friendly is your website? Usability lessons for libraries in a remote world. American Libraries. 52(3/4), 30-33.