Library of Progress

A few months ago we were contracted by the Cranbrook Public Library to design a new website for them. The exciting part is the group in charge of the design have been on board with something that is forward-thinking. As a whole, libraries have terrible websites. I find this to be counter-intuitive. My brother has a Masters degree in Library and Information Systems and what I was struck by as he worked through his degree was that everything about Libraries is online now. Card catalogues, databases, eLibraries, etc. Building a collection in a library is ALL about structuring information in a way that is findable and understandable, and yet there are few examples of websites that help a library fulfill their goals of creating a clear, usable space to help people connect with the physical library space, as well as access information online. Look up a few in places you might expect quality library website: Toronto, New York, Vancouver, Tokyo? Nothing really stands out to me as stunning or even goodish. I have some theories as to why that is, which I might get into later. Before I get too critical, I should talk about our design. Working with the head librarian, we set some objectives to guide the process, and ensure that we had something to evaluate our deliverables and process with along the way. We goal was to: 1. Create a website that would aid new or unfamiliar library users to make a tangible connection with the physical library. Another way of looking at this is to give the website a ‘sense of place’ that will help people find and feel comfortable in the actual building on their first visit. Initial thoughts about how to accomplish this were to use textures, photos, and recognizable features of the building exterior and interior in the design. The other would be to use a similar colour palette to the interior of the library. 2. Make it easy for regular users to find information about their accounts, and to search, order, and re-new books online. 3. Make it easy for regulars to find out about events, services, and featured resources provided by the Library.

Outside of these three objectives, we discussed a modern, but not trendy design that takes into account the logo/branding that has gone on already, as well as various other factors including some local re-branding efforts by the City of Cranbrook. Thus far, the process has gone very well, and our discussions with the board and website committee have been productive and succinct. Normally the very mention of ‘committee’ strikes fear into the heart of designers everywhere, including mine. I have learned a few tricks about dealing with groups and committees in a design process (which I will outline in another post soon).

I can’t spill the beans yet since the website is still in process, but here is a sneak peak into some of the early sketches for the site. I will add new bits to this ‘story’ as the site evolves.