August 2007 Archives

The new Web site is great!!! Much easier to navigate and user friendly!
From: a graduate student

Susan Teague-Rector, Web Applications Manager, replies....
Thank you for your comment regarding our new site! With the latest design, we have attempted to improve the accessibility and usability of online collections. The new design was informed by using search log data, user comments from the winter 2007 online survey and focus groups, section 508 accessibility standards and website usability guidelines.

As you noted, part of the focus was to address user needs and to provide easier navigation. Research done by the Web team indicates that searching the Libraries resources is a key feature on the site. Therefore, common search features are better highlighted in the new design to emphasize VCU Libraries online services and collections. In addition, Web search logs indicate that ILLiad, our interlibrary loan and document delivery system, was difficult to find in the old design. A direct link is now available from the homepage to ILLiad to provide simpler access to this popular feature.

Thank you again for your response!

Hi, I am prospective student of VCU and just moved to Richmond. I wonder if I can have access to VCU libraries because I don't fit in any of your user profiles. Thanks, Mita.
From: a prospective student

Cate Canevari, Associate Director, Research and Education for Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, responds....

Thank you for your inquiry regarding access to VCU Libraries. While you are not able to check materials out, as a member of the general public you are welcome to visit the VCU Libraries and access the collections within the library for your research purposes. Please note that access to computers is based upon a first come, first serve basis, and priority is given to current VCU students, staff and faculty. We will soon be switching to our Fall schedule. For your convenience, library hours and directions to both library locations are available from our Web site at:
http://www.library.vcu.edu/about/hours.html.