New design allows responsive viewing across all devices and systems, easier navigation, improved graphics, interactive functionality.
In June, Geauga County Public Library is launching a new website to better showcase the organization’s many features, programs, and collection. The
new site retains the current site’s most popular features including instant access to the Clevnet catalog and the event calendar for online program registration. Additionally, front-page navigation to eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines as well as streaming music and video is prominently displayed. Patrons will be able to easily access online learning accounts including Lynda.com and Rosetta Stone.
A new feature will be a blog, “From the Director’s Desk,” where GCPL Director Ed Worso will share library news and ideas. Future plans for the website include an additional blog featuring staff members with interests in various areas including graphic novels and comics, gardening, cooking, crossover literature and other topics. It will be easier than ever to get recommendations with live hyperlinks to the collection from trusted staff experts. A live Tweet stream will also be visible on the homepage that will allow users to “like,” comment and share.
Because the site is responsive, it will be easily viewable on any mobile devices as well as on computer screens of all sizes. The site was built in-house, using WordPress, and is maintained by a webmaster and team of content specialists.
“We built GCPL’s website to be the go-to resource for anyone who wants to enjoy books, music, movies, magazines and our programming,” says Lori Weber, GCPL Marketing Manager. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to find library news and have access to their collection across multiple devices.” The site uses a colorful tile design for easy navigation and is categorized into a few key areas:
- The collection
- Learning, discovery & online training
- From the director’s desk
- About Geauga County Public Library
“We’re excited about the new design,” Weber says. “We make use of evolving web design trends while maintaining our library’s identity. We’re confident that with just a few clicks, patrons will adapt to the change and enjoy the interactive functionality. We have a staff of passionate, committed readers and thinkers, and I’m thrilled that they’ll have their own blog to share their favorite books and interests. This will be a great way for patrons to get to know their GCPL librarians.”
About the Geauga County Public Library
The Geauga County Public Library includes four full-service branches in Bainbridge, Chardon, Chesterland (Geauga West) and Middlefield; two library stations housed in schools in Newbury and Thompson; two Bookmobiles that serve rural areas and community centers; a Lobby Stop vehicle; a car for homebound patrons; and an administrative center where technical services, computer services, facilities and administrative functions reside. GCPL has more than 750,000 books and ebooks. The collection also contains more than 100,000 audio/video items and 400 research databases available through its website. On February 6, 2017, GCPL became a member of the Clevnet consortium, giving patrons access to more than 12 million items. Learn more about the Geauga County Public Library at the GCPL website, Geauga County Public Library.
