UP library launches new, exciting and interactive website

The Department of Library Services (DLS) launched its new website on Tuesday, 21 December 2021.  The site’s improved navigation and user-friendly design provides students and staff with easy access to library information and services with a simple click of a button.

The revamp of the website has been on the cards since 2019, but the process only started in July 2020. The need for a website facelift was to ensure that the library website aligns with the University of Pretoria’s corporate branding as it previously didn’t and also to enable a good user experience by removing the existing restrictions to allow a more flexible, responsive and mobile-friendly site that supports richer content. Through the use of the latest technology, the new site was built on the LibGuides CMS platform and also aligns with industry and international standards for academic library designs.

The design and structure of the new website was developed in response to the needs of students and staff through feedback obtained from a survey that was conducted. The new site is optimised for both desktop and mobile use, with a modern look and feel. Compared to the library’s previous website, the user experience has been enhanced by introducing new features. Here are some of the exciting changes you can look out for:

• Faculty libraries are now able to update and take ownership of their own content
• Users can book events and sessions with a librarian or an information specialist through the website
• The subset of library applications are now integrated
• The library news is presented in a more engaging way

Staff and students are invited to participate in a survey by providing their feedback regarding the new website and suggest any further improvements.