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Library Foundation Funds New Chicago Public Library Website The re-designed Chicago Public Library website launched April 10th funded by $1 million in private support from the Library Foundation and its generous donors. Library Foundation President & CEO, Rhona Frazin stated, "The Chicago Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and donors have made a significant investment in the re-design of the Library's website. As the funding partner to the Library, our role is to make contributions that will enhance the collections access and technology experience for all patrons. We are proud to facilitate these new features that will give library users a new level of interaction with the Chicago Public Library." The Library Foundation thanks members of the Board of Directors Kelly Ryan, Dave Casper, Dan Hill and Suren Gupta, Kirkland & Ellis, BMO Harris Bank and Allstate for their many contributions of time and expertise that have made this wonderful new service a reality. CPL has partnered with software company BiblioCommons to re-envision the library’s online experience. BiblioCommons is currently used by New York Public Library, Boston Public Library, Seattle Public Library and many other large libraries in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to a re-developed website that works on smart phones and other mobile devices, the renovated Chicago Public Library online experience will now feature integrated cross-marketing of collections, events, and services and enhanced community engagement. This website is the first of its kind to fully integrate all aspects of the patron’s online library interactions, and will improve the user experience and accessibility to materials. Community engagement will initially focus on collections—patrons will be able to read and write reviews, create and share lists with other patrons, follow their friends or other platform users around the world with similar or intriguing reading tastes, and share what they find on CPL’s website on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. In addition, the new website will allow users to further personalize their online library experience by keeping track of titles they would like to read or have already read. The new site lays the groundwork for enhanced online community engagement around large-scale Library programs like the Foundation-funded One Book, One Chicago initiative, the YOUmedia lab, and deep integration and online engagement around other popular public programs, library services, and library collections. Library Commissioner Brian Bannon reflected on the importance of the Library Foundation's donations stating, “the Chicago Public Library has been at the forefront of library technology and best practices in library experiences. Our Library's continued success in the 21st century will require the best web solutions as we stay nimble and keep pace with user expectations and emerging capabilities. We are extremely grateful for [the Library Foundation's] vote of confidence and financial support to make this project a reality. We are also thrilled the new site will bring greater visibility for the Library Foundation through homepage “cards,” CPLF branding/links throughout the site, and the ability to launch campaigns via pop-up pages for key CPLF initiatives." Based on user feedback the website is proving to be a real crowd pleaser: “So much better, the old one was the stone ages. Love the new one” “It’s absolutely Wonderful! Best website I’ve ever used” “Evolution! Love it” To access the new Chicago Public Library website, visit www.chipublib.org. |
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