Even though it may seem like the library site has had our current look for some time, in fact, it has gone through many iterations. Let’s take a look back courtesy of the Wayback Machine. Click on each image to view it full size in a new window.
April 4, 2004
- This is the earliest version captured by the Internet Archive.
- The focus is clearly on pointing users to resources in the library catalog and to articles available from research databases, or the newly launched alphatical E-Journals list.
- The layout is fairly uncluttered with generous white space; graphics are minimal.
August 26, 2004
- The header has a new scarlet-colored square graphic and a larger font size.
- The layout is not changed, but this example illustrates how higher priority alerts are emphasised with red font.
- Users have the option to use the new alphabetical E-Journals list or continue to use an older version.
August 4, 2005
- Big changes came in 2005. While retaining the three-column layout, two navigation bars have been added: a simple OSU navigation bar at the top with a search box, and a library-centric nav bar below the header with several drop-down options.
- The graphics are larger and help to balance out the increasing number of links users can select.
- The catalog and article search boxes are still a major focus, but lower in priority than in previous versions.
October 27, 2006
- Graphics take a much bigger role in this version of the library home page.
- High contrast colors and fonts varying in both size and style are hard to ignore.
- The various graphics fight for attention with the ever-increasing number of links listed in the Quicklinks and News sections.
April 5, 2007
- A new feature, WorldCat.org Beta, is added as the third option in the Find Books tab, but users can still search the library catalog from the home page.
- Graphics are subtle and balanced.
- A new category, Lectures/Programs, has been added to market events.
February 21, 2008
- Yet another search feature has been added: OSU Libraries Web Site Search, just below the main search box.
- Search OSU and Beyond is now the primary source of search for resources from the home page.
June 29, 2008
- With a new pop of blue color, the search box jumps from two tabbed options to four.
- The local catalog is again available to search from the home page, and bound with Search OSU and Beyond from the default Books tab.
- Users are invited to “Test our pilot search.”
January 29, 2010
- The search box has been demoted to promote a new Multi Database Search.
- The database search is boxed in and has it’s own graphic.
- Below the library navigation bar, users are invited to help design the new library home page.
- Framed in scarlet, users are alerted about the forthcoming site changes.
May 7, 2010
- And the new website is revealed! The green library-centric navigation bar combines the previous sections News, Exhibitions and Lectures/Programs into one category: News & Events.
- New categories are added with multiple tabbed options. On the right column: Links, Popular, and Suggested, (to replace what was once called Quicklinks) and Ask Us (once called Services).
- At the bottom of the page are additional tabs: Featured News, Exhibits, News, Blog Highlights and Tressel Book.
- The Search box allows direct searching of the catalog only. With additional clicks, users can search articles, online journals, WorldCat Local, and library web pages.
June 24, 2011
- The more expected scarlet and gray toned color scheme replaces the green and gold.
- The Search box is reconfigured into multiple tabs options.
- The option to Search this Site is in the header to make it accessible from any library page.
- Users are invitated to provide feedback on the new site.
- A weighted word cloud list of links is available on the right side bar.
- The most recent interation of the library site with the latest ‘block O’ branding in the header.
- The Search All tab (searching WorldCat Local) is still the default choice, but now placed to the far left, as users would expect.
- A Reference tab (searching the Credo database) has been add to search box
- Graphics play a prominent role in the sidebars and lower half of the page.
What do you think about the way the library page has changed over the years?