Page 3 Level Ponderings

Starting work on page 3 level design. (5/31/09) Progress noted in green. (6/4/09) Further progress noted in blue. (6/7/09)

Use as base http://library.austincc.edu/mp4-page3-tutorials.htm [Note: nothing there yet has changed (5/31/09) except underlying stylesheet.] Changes reflected in page named, mp4-page3-tutorials.php.

• Style sheet = csslayout-page3.css
• Have changed "topsection" to correlate to smaller graphic 756x50. Now named topsection3.
  
• Removed height style for "topmenubar." [Note: should do this across the board.]
• Page renamed with extension "php" so that we can use php command lines in the file.
• Have used "php includes" for the topsection and the footer so that the constant top part and footer part do not have to be hardcoded into the level 3 pages. {Includes allow the inclusion of external files in the body of the page; in this case, included are topsection3.htm and footer-other.htm.}
  
• Maybe use LEFTNAV style instead of main-content1 on left sidebar on this level page and ff. (See left-navigation.txt.) Created a new "navlist" for left sidebar. Includes code for indication of current page.
  
• Include javascript for breadcrumbs on this level page and ff. Make into a division instead of table.
• Put in columnhead for main-content3 (right large column)
  
• Added embedded styles and modified from original:
  
• #control, .breadcrumb
• Actually, used a new style class "crumbs".

Have created two test pages to illustrate function of lefnav menu:
-- Tutorials (http://library.austincc.edu/help/mp4-page3-tutorials.php)
-- Research Shortcuts (http://library.austincc.edu/help/mp4-page3-shortcuts.php)

Help by Subject

I rather like the way that Boston College does its Help by Subject page. Perhaps we could adapt our page to emulate this approach.
http://www.bc.edu/libraries/help/subject.html

Possibly we can anticipate that Red (and some others) might want a simple listing of databases by subject. This will be possible when Adrian finishes her CASE input. That will result in a generated page of e-resources A-Z and a subject list of e-resources. See, for example, the database listing at Texas State (http://catalog.library.txstate.edu/search/y)

Subtle Color chart

I've started a chart reflecting some subtle colors. (Well, maybe some aren't so subtle.)

Anyone can add possibilities to this chart.

http://irtstaff.austincc.edu/peloquin/09Redesign/redesign09-maybe-colors.xls

Tier Two Thoughts

This page will have the same topsection and topmenubar as Home.

See the document
http://irtstaff.austincc.edu/peloquin/09Redesign/TierTwo-Divs-classes.doc

Possible Changes:

• Smaller footer (?? footer2)
• Sidebar menu -- Should it remain the same? [[probably]]
  
• Currently the large content area uses style div main-content3 with an inline style changing the width to 565 px. Should probably be given it it's own style name -- ?? "right-content" -- with similar styles and that added to the main style sheet (now called csslayout_homepage[2].css)
• Note: We will eventually call the stylesheet something like "csslayout-library.css"
• Should we have a separate stylesheet for tier two? Probably not, but we should for other following pages -- e.g., list of tutorials or AtoZ list -- because they will have a smaller topsection and possibly a breadcrumb trail.
  

09Redesign Pages CSS Divs/Classes

In organizing my thoughts for the redesign, I've created a graphic which outlines the major CSS Divisions and Classes. The stylesheet is adapted to fit our needs from Edward Terry's master stylesheet so as to maintain the look of the ACC website while enabling our content to fit the needs of the students and faculty.

The document with the descriptive outlines can be found at
http://irtstaff.austincc.edu/peloquin/09Redesign/Home-Divs-classes.doc

As the second tier and following pages firm out, I'll create a similar document to guide the persons who convert the pages.

The intention is that templates be created for those second and ff pages so people don't really have to know the names of divisions and classes, but it may help with troubleshooting.

All stylesheets created will be made known to all persons who will be working on the conversion. Changes to stylesheets will affect many pages, so any variations should be coordinated with the persons working on pages. If only one page is affected, then the change should be reflected in the embedded style on the page and documented by comments.

More surveys - Student Quick (Can't Find It?)

Put a link under KNOW HOW to get information about things that student can't find on the website.


.. to do research ONLINE! Online Tutorials
can't find it? ... Help us help you!

More surveys - LS staff specifics

email (4/30/09) to staff ---

New Look Survey 2 -- Your invitation from the Web Committee -- Deadline 11 May 2009

The Web Committee is looking for more of your ideas about the Library Home Page. We encourage thinking outside the box! (... as much as the design allows.)

Since we have to stick with the design suggested by the mockup presented at the All-LS meeting in January, we are seeking more specific information from you about What Goes Where on the home page.

We are asking for your ideas in the survey at
http://researchguides.austincc.edu/survey-newlook

[Note: This survey is not public and can be seen only through the link above.]

The survey format asks for you to respond with your ideas about certain areas of the home page by using the 'Comment' function.
[Although the system will ask for your name and email address, you can remain anonymous by using the generic library email address "library@austincc.edu" but you must enter a valid email address.]

You can view others' comments and then add your own comments. You will be able to use the toggle function and show and hide comments for each survey option. (For an example of how to do this, see the link to a help video in the instructions on the first tab.)

Each area is listed on a separate tab. The final tab gives you the opportunity to offer ideas about the home page not covered elsewhere and the library web site in general.

Note: If you think of something else after you have already given comments, you can return to the survey and add more comments.