Earlier this month Swem Library launched its new and improved responsive design version of its website. This new version will adapt to any user device, from desktop computers to cell phones to tablets, allowing for easy reading and navigation with less resizing, panning and scrolling.
“Swem's website plays a vital role in the research of our students, faculty and community scholars, and it’s our goal to make it as accessible as possible,” said Debby Weiss, interim associate dean of technology and content services for Swem Library.
Accessing the Internet solely through a desktop computer is quickly becoming a thing of the past. For the first time since 2001, PC sales are projected to be lower than they were in the previous year. Sales of tablets are expected to exceed 100 million this year, and the use of smartphones continues to rise -- according to Nielsen, the majority of U.S. mobile subscribers now own smartphones. Making a website adaptable to mobile devices is more important than ever.
Why responsive design? It eliminates the need to build mobile apps for every device on the market. For example, instead of asking users to download an app for their Blackberry and a different app for their iPad, the Swem website will automatically respond to the user’s device.
The library’s homepage has received a new look too! The new design was developed to make the homepage more user-friendly and easier to navigate. It reflects user feedback on website usability (how easy it is for visitors to use the site and find what they need) and website usage statistics (how visitors are using the website and what areas they visit most frequently).
To look at the library’s new responsive design, visit the homepage on a tablet or phone. You can also visit the College’s website to view their new responsive design version, which launched last month.