Applying best practices in web site redesign: the Queens College Libraries experience

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the best practices in web site redesign thernauthors established for its two interconnected parts, the web development process and web design.rnThe paper demonstrates how best practices were applied to coordinate a library web site redesign projectrnand to engineer the web site for optimum usability, resulting in the creation of a new improved web siternDesign/methodology/approach - A problem-solution approach was used to analyze how thernQueens College Libraries (QCL) fell behind in web technology and how it revitalized its web operations.rnThe paper presents a detailed exposition of a three stage project, and provides reasons for adopting bestrnpractices in redesigning each web site area.rnFindings - In a resource-challenged mid-sized academic library, like QCL, it is still possible to createrna fully functional easy-to-use web site.rnPractical implications - The QCL experience has lessons for other libraries in similarrncircumstances. A mid-sized academic library adopting a best practices approach to web redesignrncan successfully coordinate an open and inclusive development process and use public web standardsrnto engineer a functional web site responsive to user needs.rnOriginality/value - Unlike other case studies of web redesign projects at academic libraries, thisrnpaper focus on both the web development process and web design, explicating the establishment andrnapplication of best practices for both areas.