A redesign of the UNH library website makes requesting or renewing items, searching data bases, and getting help from librarians easier than ever. 

For quicker access, the search fields for books and other media, and articles and databases have been moved from the middle of the page to the top. Below that are new icons for databases, research guides, and renewing materials online.

The databases can be searched by title, subject or type. Clicking on the “Ask a Librarian” icon takes you to a page where you can email, text, phone or instant message your questions to a librarian. There also is a section that lists new books and movies, and one for the hours of operation at all university libraries.  

“One problem with our website was a common one; it was organized according to the library’s internal structure.  This isn’t the mental model users bring when seeking out library resources and services. Our website needed to be redesigned with users in mind,” says Robert Wolff, web designer/developer.

The website was last updated in 2005, before Twitter, the iPhone, and the iPad. The site’s changes provide better support for tablets and smartphones, Wolff says. 

“The new site is much less department oriented. You don't have to know how the library is organized to find what you want,” adds Val Harper, systems librarian. “Rob and the web redesign group have instead created a site that focuses on resources and services designed to help the user locate and get information.” 

The new site offers:  

More intuitive organization and navigation

New dedicated sections specifically for graduate students, faculty, and alumni

Better support for mobile devicesUpdated listings of databases, including librarian recommendations

Content management system to make new features easier to develop 

Questions or comments on the redesigned site can be sent to library.webmaster@unh.edu. Reach the library website at www.library.unh.edu.