Private Research University

University of Southern California
http://www.usc.edu/libraries/

1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The site is well laid out with different categories in red bold letters with headings like, "Research", "How To", "Library Services", and "Inside the Libraries". It also includes news, bulletins and information on supporting the library. A photographic slide show at the top shows four alternating clips of upcoming events.

2.) Site Navigability - Excellent layout with links grouped by categories. Library catalogs are divided into HOMER (USC libraries), HELIX (health sciences) and ADVOCAT (law). HOMER and HELIX contain advanced search functions. ADVOCAT contains a SUDOCS NO. feature. Site links are placed into well defined, user friendly columns for easy searching. Clear printing defines each link for minimal confusion on the part of the user.

3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The "Ask A Librarian" feature utilizes: In Person; Live Chat; via e-mail; via telephone; and by appointment for students to ask reference questions. Also included is "Roving Reference", not a new technology per se, but a new service for students. With this service a reference person is available at another location (USC Writing Center) two days a week to answer questions. USC Digital Archive contains historical materials presented in photographs, maps, oral histories, sound recordings and other multimedia. Users can look up records by historical locations or time periods.

4.) Quality of Content - The content on the site is extensive with an excellent selection of catalogs, electronic resources, databases and e-journals (under "Research" column). There are also links for users to learn basic research skills, reserve a library space and get reference help ("How To" column). Library instruction (sign-up sheet), Interlibrary Loan, and Course Reserves are a few of the links in the "Library Services" column.

5.) Site Managment and Communication - Copyright at the bottom of the page, along with "Contact Us" and "Site Feedback" links. Main page of library site also contains "Spotlight" and "Bulletins" sections with recent news. Site has a link to 2007 User Satisfaction Study Results which lists Collection Statistics from the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

Additional Comments - The simple, uncluttered layout of the hyperlinks lead to an absolute wealth of information for students and researchers. The Digital Archive is especially impressive.