Chicago Public Library Formally Introduces Redesigned Web Site, First Library to Use New Bibliocommons Platform

From the Chicago Public Library:

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Public Library (CPL) today launched a new online experience for all library patrons, including a redesigned website, an improved library catalog and greater accessibility and convenience. After several months in beta format to complete testing and allow patrons to become accustomed to new features, the new online platform is now live at www.chipublib.org.
“This new online platform by the Chicago Public Library enhances community interaction and engages patrons and residents across the city through the most modern technology. Twenty-first century libraries are not the same brick and mortar institutions they once were and the Chicago Public Library has been at the forefront of successfully leveraging digital tools to enrich library services for our residents,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This new online experience builds on this success, and I am grateful to the Chicago Public Library Foundation for making vital investments that are helping Chicago have the best library system in the nation.”
Funded by a $1 million grant [includes funding for three years of development] from the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the new website will serve as the model public library website.
CPL has partnered with software company BiblioCommons to re-envision the library’s online experience which included the site’s development, research, design, and ongoing enhancements that will be rolled out over the next three years.
Well known in the field for its library catalog discovery layer, BiblioCommons has created an online experience that integrates with that catalog, showcasing the Library’s diverse range of collections, events and services.
CPL is the first library system to date to launch this innovative online platform.
The new website, catalog, and mobile apps are all “software as a service” providing the foundation for continuous innovation while reducing the need for costly in-house infrastructure and staff technical expertise.
Users will immediately notice the more customer-friendly features, including the ability to create a unique user name and PIN, keep a history of what they have checked out and a wish list of what they want to borrow in the future. Users can also rate titles, as well as write and read reviews of books, movies and music – visible not only to other CPL patrons, but also to the community of the 200 libraries around the world currently using BiblioCommons’ catalog platform.
[Our emphasis] 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.
The website’s homepage cards, which offer a variety of content including book lists, upcoming events and blog posts by librarians, will help patrons discover all the interesting and innovative collections and services offered by CPL. This information is easily shared on social media so that all Chicagoans can benefit from these offerings. The new website also adapts to any screen size, like smart phones and tablets; the responsive design ensures users have the same experience– no matter the mobile device. Free apps will also be available for iPhone/iPod Touch and Android.

See Also: Take a Video Tour of Some of the Websites Features

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