All PPLD facilities will be closed Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day.
PPLD.org, The Catalog, and wireless may also be unavailable as we run server updates.

Welcome to our NEW website!

Click here to tell us what you think!

Welcome to the NEW ppld.org!
Some new and improved features include:

Research Subject Guides
Find a Good Book
Search for location by Zip Code

The Catalog and My Account are NOT affected by the new website.

Why are we doing this project?

PPLD has outgrown its website.
A new organizational structure needs to be implemented to accommodate PPLD’s needs, present and future.
Certain web technologies need to be implemented to optimally serve our patrons.

Project Objectives

Construct a website that reflects patron and staff needs, as determined by usability studies.
Construct a website that is easy to navigate, encouraging a positive Library experience.
Construct a website structure that will accommodate future Library online growth.
Implement best practices for highlighting features and services on ppld.org.
Implement a website that complies with accessibility and web design best practices.

Add new comment

Comments

Very Nice!

Submitted by Steph (not verified) on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 10:46pm.

I'm so glad to see your updated look and content. The new site seems more user-friendly, and the color scheme is classy. I like the information that is readily available on the home-page.

Looking forward to the roll-out!

Event Calendar

Submitted by Michael Maddox (not verified) on Tue, 09/07/2010 - 11:17am.

I am unable to use the event calendar search to locate Friends of the Library used book sales. Too complicated!

If you type "book sale" in

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/07/2010 - 12:08pm.

If you type "book sale" in the search box and select Events, you'll get the Friends book sale as a result in the month of October.

Hope this helps!

What I think of your Web site.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 8:23am.

I don't like it. It's too full of stuff, don't like the dark colors and if you plan on putting long and involved articles on it, forget it, I only read a paragraph online and that is it. No more. Information overload.

WIERD!

Submitted by Elisabeth (not verified) on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 5:13pm.

how can you NOT like the new website?

I like it the dark colors

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 2:39am.

I like it the dark colors help my eye's.

Thanks for your input. We're

Submitted by admin on Fri, 09/03/2010 - 10:03am.

Thanks for your input. We're sorry you don't like the new website. We're trying to keep it as simple as possible but there's a lot of information we need to include. We'll continue to try to keep it as simple as we can.

You rock!

Submitted by kitten (not verified) on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 4:04pm.

You rock!

PPLC New Website

Submitted by Mari (not verified) on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 8:45am.

So far, so good!! New website is much more modern and user friendly.

Comment for new website

Submitted by Patricia M. Vacik (not verified) on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 8:52pm.

Design for BING is excellent - the front page is a travel to an exotic geography picture for a thousand words, then after a few day dreams to the exotic locatiion - just ask your question, - your answer pops.

That is my suggestion.

Best set up I have seen easy

Submitted by Buford B. McKelvy (not verified) on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 1:32pm.

Best set up I have seen easy to use

New PPLD Website

Submitted by Mere Words (not verified) on Sat, 08/21/2010 - 6:20pm.

Very Nice!

no comment

Submitted by anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 9:49pm.

no comment

New web site problems

Submitted by Richard Blackburn (not verified) on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 3:41pm.

I've clicked on the link to the new web site several times. Each time, many of the characters display on top of each other, and the fields are therefore unreadable.

I'm wondering what browser

Submitted by admin on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 7:29pm.

I'm wondering what browser type and version you are using. I'm also wondering if you have your screen maximized. I'm also wondering if you are using the browser text resize at "largest", we do have a known issue with a few of the links in that case. A best practice for using new.ppld.org is to use IE7 or later or Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Opera at your monitor's recommended resolution (1024x768 or higher). Please reply with more specifics and I'll do my best to help you troubleshoot.

New Website

Submitted by J. Austin (not verified) on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 3:29pm.

1. The dark background colors with dark text on the new website are not easily read. The old website is much brighter and clearer and therefore easier to see and absorb, at least on the home page.
2. There is too much on the new home page. The old home page is essentially the size of the computer screen and gives a basic list of features to access. It is not cluttered with words and phrases and pictures and buttons. The new home page is too confusing with too many choices upfront. A few general (and logical) choices to start with, then a patron can progress deeper into his/her chosen link.
3. The new webpage size is wider than my screen size. It's a hassle to scroll horizontally to see the whole page. Many people will not even realize that they need to scroll left and right.
4. It takes too long to find and access the calendar of classes.
5. The help feature, catalog search feature and site search feature should appear at the top of the page, immediately visible and recognizable.

I realize that the old website needs updating. However, you are throwing away a decent, readable layout and design, and replacing it with something that is difficult for many people to navigate. I volunteer with the 55+ computer classes, and I guarantee the new website design will be even harder for many of the seniors to negotiate. For their sakes (and for anyone not experienced with computers), please keep the website clear and easy to understand. Kids and teenagers grew up with computers, so they can handle just about any layout. I urge you to keep the old design and tweak it as necessary. Thank you.

Thanks for your input, let me

Submitted by admin on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 7:48pm.

Thanks for your input, let me address each item.
1. I'm wondering if our background image didn't load properly for you. The side navbar is dark brown text on sage and the center area is black text on white. Both combinations contain enough contrast to be easily readable. However, if our background image didn't load, then the dark brown text is on dark brown background, which is indeed hard to read.
2. We've done extensive usability studies, including studies with seniors and have had overwhelmingly positive feedback on the new home page. Yes, there is quite a bit more on this page than the current page, but we have quite a few services we need to highlight on the home page. What you need to know right off the bat is the top navbar contains every major section of the website ("a few general and logical choices") and is present on every page of the website. The left sidebars contain section-specific information. The right sidebars contain library locations, audience-specific websites, and our IM feature.
3. The new website has been developed for 1024x768 and smaller screen resolutions. Multiple sources confirm that 800x600 is not used often enough to develop for. I'd recommend changing your screen size to at least 1024x768 (which is still large enough for most people to read) and if necessary changing your browser text size to "large" or "larger".
4. The calendar of classes is in the "Classes" link on the top navbar of every page on the website.
5. The search mechanism for the website and the Catalog are at the top right of every page on the website. The best way to find anything on the website is to search for it using the search mechanism and the radio button set to ppld.org.

I think with some time you will find this website to be far more user-friendly and intuitive than our current site. I'm happy to help the 55+ trainers with their classes at their request. My best advice is to take a deep breath, look carefully at the home page, and chances are you will find what you are looking for.

New website

Submitted by J. Austin (not verified) on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 6:53pm.

Thank you for your reply to my earlier comments. While I appreciate your explanations, I still think the following issues need to be considered:

1. The homepage is just too full of information. I really feel it could be whittled down to something more manageable. Also, the legibility of the dark text on the dark background is an issue on the library's computers as well as on my computer.
2. As for the width of the homepage being wider than my screen: I visit many websites whose homepages perfectly fit the width of my screen. I do not know if these websites detect the resolution of my screen and adjust automatically (is this even possible?), but I think it is desirable for at least the homepage of a website to extend no wider than the width of the computer screen. This way, all the basic items, including site search, catalog search, etc. would be immediately visible. I do hope that you will be able to accomplish this.

I offer as an illustration of these points the homepage of the following website: www.coloradocollege.edu. This homepage has a lot of information on it, but to me, at least, it is relatively easy to navigate and find what I'm looking for. Most of the links are broad categories which lead to more detailed options, rather than having an extensive array of choices on the homepage. Also the color choices and contrast make it easy to read. The width of the page is no wider than my computer screen, so that everything on the right side of the page, including the search button, is readily accessible. Of course, I do not mean to say that you should copy this page's design. I simply suggest it as an inspiration for making the library's new homepage more easily digestible.

Thank you for your time and attention.

website comments

Submitted by alicia (not verified) on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 5:42pm.

the color palette for the website is very welcoming & calming. it makes me want to browse the site. it looks clean, simple & easy to navigate. fantastic job!! :]

the new site

Submitted by Susan Yoder (not verified) on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 1:49pm.

Hi!
I was just cruising around your new website. I'm a graphic designer/web developer and I must tell you - I love the colors you have chosen and I like all the new features you have added. The site seems well organized and easy to navigate.

The one feature I keep hoping someone will create is an "if you like this author you may like this other author" type of app. Just a thought!

Looking forward to using the new site!

Hi Susan, you may be

Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 12:33pm.

Hi Susan, you may be interested in our Read-Alikes section. Just click on "Find a Good Book" in the top navbar and then click on "Read-Alikes" in the left side bar. I hope this helps!

You could also fill out our

Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 12:35pm.

You could also fill out our "What to Read" form for read-alike advice. You can find this form in "Find a Good Book". It's the last tab on the tabbed menu along the top of the page.

Electronic Reference

Submitted by D. Jensen (not verified) on Thu, 08/19/2010 - 12:26pm.

I use your site for World Cat.

How do I find it?

Click on "Research" in the

Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/20/2010 - 12:31pm.

Click on "Research" in the top navbar and then click on "Interlibrary Loan" in the left sidebar. I hope this helps!

SEARCH ENGINE

Submitted by GEORGE DORBIN (not verified) on Wed, 08/18/2010 - 6:31pm.

IT WOULD BE NICE YO BE ABLE TO RESTRICT SEARCHES TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATERIALS FOR BOOKS, MUSIC, DVD'S, PERIODICALS, MAGAZINES, ETC. WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH OTHER LIBRARY SITES THAT HAVE THIS FUNCTION AND IT REALLY CUTS DOWN ON OUR SEARCH TIME.

THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

GEORGE DORBIN

Re:response time

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/18/2010 - 3:59pm.

The response time when on the PPLD website is extremely slow. When navigating the site such as putting books on hold can take up to 45-60 seconds sometimes more. Our computer is new and when navigating other search engines and sites it never takes that long to log onto sites. Once I clicked on preview comment it took 44 seconds to bring it up.

I agree with Chris. Each

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/18/2010 - 9:40am.

I agree with Chris. Each page is too busy. Too much of a good thing.

website

Submitted by chris (not verified) on Mon, 08/16/2010 - 2:48pm.

badly designed, too much going on in all different places. the original page was great because it just listed basic categories, and it was small and centered, like Google. this new page is haphazard and reveals too much information on the front page, its confusing. boring brown color. might be difficult to view on older/smaller screens too.

Thanks for your input, Chris.

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 11:56am.

Thanks for your input, Chris. We're sorry you are unhappy with the site. We've done extensive usability testing and have received overwhelmingly positive comments about the new website. We have lots of features to be highlighted which is why there is more information on the home page. Perhaps these tips will help you navigate the site better:

1. The major sections of the site are on the top navbar. This navbar is consistent throughout the entire site.

2. The left sidebar changes depending on what section you are in.

3. The right sidebar contains hours/locations, audience-specific sites, and Ask PPLD. This is consistent throughout the entire site.

If there is a specific area of the website that confuses you, please reply to this comment and I'll do my best to assist you.

fancy photos of SA - on new webpage

Submitted by Melody Philbrick (not verified) on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 2:24pm.

On Sid's desk top are fabulous, professional photos of SA. Could you grab those and use those for the top of the page slide show? They are superb.

Hey Melody, I'll see if John

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:59am.

Hey Melody, I'll see if John or Chris can get those photos for me. Thanks!

calendar of events ...

Submitted by Melody Philbrick (not verified) on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 2:18pm.

The listing of programs for SA, children is tediously long, and not helpful. If a program is weekly, it need be listed only ONE TIME.
"Storytime is every Wednesday, 9:30 and 10:30"
"Toddler time is every Friday at 10:10"
"Paws to Read is every Friday from 2:45-3:45"
etc. ...
Please put the link to the calendar at the TOP of the page ... I can't imagine anyone scrolling through all the listings to get to the calendar link. As a patron, I wouldn't.

Sheri and I both had the zipcode/BR screen pop-up as we were looking at events for SA.

Eric is MAKING us use/explore/find twitches on new web page.

Take a look at the SA Kids

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 11:17am.

Take a look at the SA Kids Programs page again and let me know if this is better. I added Calendar View at the top and specified what the list was. This is pulling from Evanced so we are a bit restricted on how we can display programs.

When you select a branch from the pull-down, you don't need to click the Search button. I think that's where the zipcode/BR problem occurred. Cheryl did the same thing so we're going to try to make that more intuitive, I'm just not sure how.

Thank you for looking at it and giving me your feedback. This is very helpful. Tell Eric thanks as well.

new web site

Submitted by John Rivers (not verified) on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 1:28pm.

I am able to navigate the web site but it is very slow to load.

Thanks for the heads up.

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:56am.

Thanks for the heads up. We'll be doing load testing over the next few weeks to optimize the website. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about this.

homepage of new web site

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/13/2010 - 12:22pm.

Using Firefox, the text on the left side of the home page is jumbled. Open source Jquery may solve this problem across browser types.

We've been unable to recreate

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:54am.

We've been unable to recreate this issue in Firefox. We're using Firefox 3.6.8. What version are you using and do you have javascript enabled? Any additional information you can provide would be very helpful. Thanks for your time.

not impressed

Submitted by tony holden (not verified) on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 5:49pm.

From a technical point of view, the new web site does not handle Firefox very well. Get out of your IE based world.

The largest, most popular web site in the world uses very little graphics. Why would you want to slow things down with graphics & javascript? Bad idea. Keep it simple and as fast as possible.

Thanks for the heads up. We

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/17/2010 - 10:52am.

Thanks for the heads up. We have done extensive testing in all major browsers and haven't run across any problems in Firefox. We do all our development in Chrome, so we are not in an "IE based world".

I'm curious as to what exactly is happening in Firefox when you try to use the site. Perhaps you could reply with a more detailed explanation of the problems you are having? Please include your browser version as well.

Thanks again for the input. We appreciate you assistance as we strive to make the new website as user-friendly as possible.

Looking good !

Submitted by Steven Waskewicz (not verified) on Thu, 08/12/2010 - 9:35am.

I like this version of the library's website.
Its much easier to navigate, and looks a whole lot more user friendly.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment,
regards,
Steve

I Like it.

Submitted by Leslie (not verified) on Tue, 08/10/2010 - 9:27am.

I Like it.

I prefer this website much

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/07/2010 - 9:20pm.

I prefer this website much better than the normal one!

Great Job!

New website

Submitted by Meha (not verified) on Sat, 08/07/2010 - 7:57am.

The new website looks awesome! I'm so excited that the library is alive and thriving...good luck and good job :)

wow!

Submitted by Leah (not verified) on Thu, 08/05/2010 - 1:21pm.

It looks amazing and much easier to navigate, can't wait to see the finished product!

new website

Submitted by Roxi Vaughn (not verified) on Thu, 08/05/2010 - 12:25pm.

I like it!!!

I think it will be a great improvement with better and more user friendly links!

Logging in

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/04/2010 - 8:29pm.

Why is that every time I move to a different location, I am asked to Log in after I have logged in? For example, I logged in and then when I wanted to place a hold, I had to log in again. I mistakenly entered the wrong pick up location, and wanted to go to my account to make a change, and I had to log in again to get to my account.

PPLD new webpage

Submitted by Susanne Thaler (not verified) on Wed, 08/04/2010 - 5:20pm.

Dear PPLD Team,

I like what you've done with the webpage! :)
Can't wait to use it!

S.T.

Web feedback

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 6:11pm.

The new home page looks great. I hope your new "my account" area is easier and more functional. For example, it would be nice to be able to print out the list of checked-out books with their due dates.
Thanks,
Barb