New York Public Library Launches New, Drupal-Based Web Site
Each branch library supplies content; new "Using the Library" section
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 01/07/2010
- Search function improved
- Reserve a PC from home page
- Drupal allows evolution in future
The New York Public Library (NYPL) has launched its new Drupal-based web site, which offers much staff content, direct access to reference librarians (Ask NYPL) from nearly every page, and a new design with integration of multimedia.
G
iven that 25% of all searches of the web site seek basic information about the Library, NYPL created a new “Using the Library” section as one of eight core navigation items at the top of each page.
The library search function was improved, so searchers need not choose among categories before they drill down. Users can reserve a PC from the home page.
Local responsibility
For each of the 89 branch libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, local staffers will now create and manage web content. For example, according to NYPL, the 96th Street Branch page highlights a podcast series, Turn it Up at 96th Street, created and hosted by its teen users.
New technology and updates
Given the use of open source Drupal, NYPL's digital team can now write code to update the web site and also draw on the Drupal community.
“Until now the Library’s web site has gone through a cycle of major redesigns,” said Dr. Paul LeClerc, NYPL's president. “This launch lays the groundwork for a philosophy of ongoing evolution and expansion of nypl.org with new features and improvements being made continually. We look forward to feedback from our users and exciting new developments to come.”
Growing pains?
NYPL issued a note with its press release: "As we move through the process of reconfiguring our site, please excuse any temporary difficulty in the connection between the site and pages on the legacy site or third party sites."
That was a backhanded reference to the transition difficulties experienced by NYPL users when a unified catalog was introduced last July. NYPL also offers a short video on the site's new features.
