As you may recall, the Web Advisory Group is redesigning the MU Libraries gateway page to emphasize the most used library resources.

Based on input from staff members and the public, the Web Advisory Group has created six mockups for the new MU Libraries Gateway Page.   We are seeking feedback from staff members on each of these designs.  The six design options will then be narrowed to two choices, which will be subjected to usability testing with patrons.  There are two ways to share your thoughts on the new gateway designs:  An online discussion blog and two focus group sessions, which will be held during the second week of March.

Instructions for viewing the proposed designs and adding to the blog are at the end of this email.  Please comment on what you really like or really don’t like, suggest different wording, etc.  Since these sites are not finished products, comments on content and structure are most helpful, rather than suggestions related to color or appearance (such as font style or size). Please send in your comments through the Sharepoint Site (directions below) by March 13.

In making suggestions, please keep in mind the following elements, which have been deemed to be of key importance on the new site:
•    Avoid library jargon.
•    Focus on resources.
•    Include a more central search box.
•    Incorporate a comments/suggestions blog and report a problem button.
•    Promote eBooks and online reference works.
•    Post Ellis hours on Gateway with a link to more hours.
•    Make “Ask a Question” link more prominent.
•    Offer context sensitive help.
•    Include top 25 most-clicked-on links.

To view and comment on the Gateway Mockups:

1.    Go directly to the Sharepoint site or to the MU Libraries Staff Web page.  (On the left side of the staff web page, under SharePoint, click on “Web Gateway Mockup Designs”)
2. A dialogue box will pop up asking for a user name and password.
a. For user name, enter your entire email address (e.g., smithj@missouri.edu)
Your password is the same one you use for email or accessing your library account.
3.    To get to the mockup/discussion pages, click on the heading “Gateway Discussion and Feedback” (either in the center of the page, under the Announcements section, or in the site hierarchy on the left side of the page).
4.    There are six mockups listed.  To see one, click on the title to get to the main page for that design.  Click on the link to the mockup, which will open in a new window.
5.    (The UNC Mockup is best viewed using Firefox rather than IE as your web browser.)
6.    From the main page for each design, please also add your comments about that particular mockup by clicking on the “Reply” button in the upper right corner of the page. Replies will show up below the link to the mock-up.