Kent, Ohio, May 27, 2015 — IdeaBase, a Kent State student-powered design firm based in Kent, OH, celebrates the launch of the new State Library of Ohio website. The site, which features a new interface, improved site navigation, and enhanced search functionality, was designed and developed by IdeaBase and was launched today by the State Library of Ohio.
“Working with IdeaBase was a wonderful experience,” expressed State Librarian Beverly Cain. “The team assigned to our project was responsive, creative, and dedicated to providing a finished product that truly met our needs.”
The site offers Ohio residents, state government employees, and libraries across Ohio improved access to library resources and services and is the result of a year-long collaboration between IdeaBase, Kent State’s School of Library & Information Science and the State Library of Ohio.
The project encompassed user research and usability testing, design, development, and content strategy, and the site utilizes a responsive interface that scales to any device, allowing library patrons and employees to visit the website from their phone, tablet, or computer. The IdeaBase team developed a custom design template within the WordPress content management system to reinforce the library’s brand and allow for faster content editing.
The IdeaBase team members on the project included Kent State students from the College of Communication and Information, with specific focuses in Advertising, User Experience Design, and Visual Communication Design, as well as the College of Business’s Computer Information Systems program.
Jeff Fruit, interim director for Kent State University’s School of Library Information Sciences said, “The School has a long history of collaboration with the State Library, with some of our offices and classrooms co-located there since 2008. We worked with IdeaBase on our own website last year, and were delighted to share their talents – and one of our user experience design students – to improve access to the State Library resources for all Ohioans.”
You can view the new State Library of Ohio web site today at http://library.ohio.gov. Those interested can also read about the website’s design process and watch a video of the site in action by visiting www.ideabasekent.com/responsive-library-website .
About IdeaBase
IdeaBase is a student-staffed, full-service integrated marketing communication firm, located in downtown Kent, Ohio. Bridging the gap between the classroom and a full-time career experience, IdeaBase connects Kent State University students to local, regional and national clients to gain relevant work experience. The IdeaBase team is comprised of Visual Communication Design, Public Relations, Library & Information Science, Communication Studies, Journalism & Mass Communication, Computer Information Systems, Digital Sciences and Marketing students, as well as a full-time User Experience Designer and Business Development Manager. Learn more about IdeaBase.
About the State Library of Ohio
The State Library is a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries and residents. The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where every Ohioan can access the necessary resources to be engaged citizens, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, and pursue their passions and interests. Learn more about the State Library.
