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Web Advisory Committee Quarterly Report

Quarterly Report: Q4 2005-2006

14 September 2006
Sarah Jones, Chair

Year Two (2005-2006) in Review

Year Two has been less active than Year One, partly because a major redesign had just been completed as the year began. Another factor, though, has been competition for time and resources among the various projects the library has undertaken. Additionally, during the second half of the year, the resignation of key web development staff have put a strain on the ability to implement the projects that WAC had chosen.
 
Despite these slow-downs, which I believe have frustrated all involved,  WAC members remain committed to their task, and we are ready to begin the new year. While finishing up old projects is the first priority, we are eager to examine, select, and prioritize new initiatives.

Issues and decisions made during Q4 2005-2006

• Investigated the possibility of applying for a grant to support development of a Resource Wizard web application
• Discussed elements that would make course pages more interactive.
• Chose C.D. Walter to be the WAC member to be nominated for the usability program team

Activities in progress a the end of Q4 2005-2006

• Web site rebranding so that we will be in alignment with UT Arlington rebranding (to be completed by the September 26th review of documentation for accreditation)
• Message Boards, especially for GIS
• Finalize the LIFT Transcoder implementation
• Google Mini search appliance

Anticipated Activities for WAC’s 3rd year (2006-2007)

• Finish projects left from the previous year (see above)
• Consider new projects and priorities vis-a-vis available resources, e.g.:
• Continue adjusting home page design and general look-and-feel, including incorporating a new library logo
• Sort out responsibility for the maintenance of database listings by subject
• “Resources by Subject” redesign  (strategy 4.3.3 for this year)
• “Resources for You” redesign
• Considering which other sections of of the web site to reevaluate
• Use the library’s Movable Type installation for blogs (e.g. for GIS, SEL, Publications, News & Events, etc.)
• Consider the possibility of enhanced display of selected library-owned materials on web pages, e.g., DVDs with images and descriptions (in collaboration with WVAC)
• Explore the use of Meebo.com to provide web-page integrated live assistance through chat services. (See example at the College of William and Mary)
• Develop guidelines and templates for authors, and consider priorities for usability review of the web site, in conjuction with the developing usability program