BU Libraries Website

On July 2nd the BU Libraries, IS&T, and Interactive Design launched a new Boston University Libraries website with the mission of making the BU Libraries the best place for students, faculty, and staff to begin research. The site aims to improve research and learning for the University community through enhanced search and discovery functionality, research tools and curated guides, and a new design focused on usability.

Here are some of the key features you’ll see in the new site:

• BU Libraries Search – New search functionality implemented throughout the site provides a single point of discovery for BU collections including books, articles, media, and other research materials regardless of physical or electronic format, whether local or remote. The interface enables patrons to refine search to their individual needs and includes advanced search functionality for in depth or targeted research.
• Navigation – Improved site navigation makes it easy to begin research, take advantage of Library services, and learn more about the people and places (both physical and online) of the BU Libraries.
• Research Guides – The new site highlights extensive subject area research guides. Curated by experts within the Library, these guides serve as a research tool providing an overview of the most useful resources for research on a given subject.
• Updated Design – The site features a clean look and feel that places a premium on usability. Beyond aesthetics, the new design, implemented in the BU WordPress CMS, makes it easy for patrons to find the information they need.

Additionally, the new site includes updated Maps and Floorplans for way finding, improved help functionality, and location specific sub sites for individual libraries such as the Pardee Management Library, African Studies Library, and the Pickering Educational Resources Library.

The new site and related improvements contribute directly to 5 of the 8 strategic goals outlined in the Boston University Libraries Strategic Plan: 2010-2015. The project, a year and a half in the making, was a collaborative effort between the BU Libraries, Marketing & Communications, and IS&T.