HILLSBOROUGH, NJ – The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey has launched a new website.
“We did a complete overhaul of the look and content,” said Carolann DeMatos, SCLSNJ’s director of marketing and public relations. “Our goals for a new website included: integration of modern user experience best practices, improved search engine optimization, ADA web compliance throughout the site, and to allow our resources, programs, and collections to be more seamlessly explored by patrons.
” As mobile usage increases in the United States, we needed to integrate responsive design and acknowledge our patrons needs for better accessibility to their Library on their mobile devices,” she added. “Additionally, we wanted to offer a more modern and visually enticing web identity. SCLSNJ’s virtual Library is open 24/7, and the web page should be welcoming and usable whether you are visiting at 3 p.m. to check out a book or to register for a program, or at 2 a.m. to cram in last-minute research for a school assignment.”
The website also includes the new calendar system that will make viewing programs and events, and registering, a more streamlined process.
“We want it to be easy for our patrons to do what they’re doing, or to find what they’re looking for when they visit our site,” said Lynn Hoffman, director of Operations. “The technology we’re using makes it much easier for our technology staff to maintain and update the site behind the scenes, and we have new opportunities to make the transition from our website to some of our other tools more seamless. These changes will get us ready to make major updates to our catalog and searching for materials in the fall.”
“We want to make it easier to connect with us and explore the resources and services we have to offer,” said Diane Hahn, adult services librarian at SCLSNJ’s Warren Library branch. “Everything we do at the library is for our patrons. We’re excited that the new website will better help them find answers to their questions and the information and materials they need. It’s also going to give us the opportunity to highlight the initiatives, activities, and partnerships we’re working on and are most excited about. We’re hoping it will not only be a useful tool for our current patrons, but also serve as a fitting introduction for the members of our communities who are not yet patrons.”
About Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey includes branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Rocky Hill at Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, Somerville, Warren Township, and Watchung. Additionally, there are two SCLSNJ reading stations in Branchburg and Washington Valley. Visit SCLSNJ.org for further information about library services offered at SCLSNJ.