[OPLINLIST] State Library of Ohio to Launch New Website

Tue May 26 16:58:17 EDT 2015

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The State Library of Ohio website features a responsive design that scales to fit multiple devices.

Columbus, Ohio, May 26, 2015 - The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the launch of its new website on Wednesday, May 27th. The site, which features a more user-friendly interface, improved site navigation, and enhanced search functionality, was designed and developed by IdeaBase, a Kent State student powered design firm based in Kent, Ohio.

The site offers Ohio residents, state government employees, and libraries across Ohio improved access to library resources and services and is the result of a yearlong collaboration between IdeaBase, Kent State University School of Library & Information Science and the State Library of Ohio.

"Working with IdeaBase was a wonderful experience," expressed State Librarian Beverly
Cain. "The team assigned to our project was responsive, creative, and dedicated to providing a finished product that truly met our needs."

The project encompassed research with stakeholders and usability testing, design, development and user focused content strategy. The site has a scalable interface that adjusts to any device, allowing State Library users to fully engage the website from their phone, tablet, or computer. The IdeaBase team developed a custom design template within the WordPress content management system to reinforce the library's brand and allow for faster content editing.

The IdeaBase team members on the project included Kent State students from the College of Communication and Information, with specific focuses in Advertising, User Experience Design, and Visual Communication Design, as well as the College of Business's Computer Information Systems program.

Jeff Fruit, interim director for Kent State University's School of Library Information Sciences, said "The School has a long history of collaboration with the State Library, with some of our offices and classrooms collocated there since 2008. We worked with IdeaBase on our own website last year, and were delighted to share their talents - and one of our user experience design students - to improve access to the State Library resources for all Ohioans."

Beverly Cain added, "The State Library appreciates the help from all the volunteers that participated in the pre-design survey and focus groups, and participants in the pre-launch website usability studies."

About the State Library of Ohio
The State Library is a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries and residents.   The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where every Ohioan can access the necessary resources to be engaged citizens, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, and pursue their passions and interests. Learn more about the State Library at www.library.ohio.gov

About IdeaBase
IdeaBase is a student staffed, full service integrated marketing communication firm located in downtown Kent, Ohio. Bridging the gap between the classroom and a fulltime career experience, IdeaBase connects Kent State University students to local, regional and national clients to gain relevant work experience. The IdeaBase team is comprised of Visual Communication Design, Public Relations, Library & Information Science, Communication Studies, Journalism & Mass Communication, Computer Information Systems, Digital Sciences and Marketing students, as well as a fulltime User Experience Designer and Business Development Manager. Learn more about IdeaBase at www.ideabasekent.com<http://www.ideabasekent.com>.

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Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Ph.D.
Public Information Officer
Director, Marketing & Communications
274 E. 1st Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
Tel: 614-644-6875
Fax: 614-466-3584
library.ohio.gov<http://library.ohio.gov/>

Share Your Story<http://library.ohio.gov/state-librarian/share-your-story> by telling us how a
State Library service or resource helped
you or your library.

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