Today marks the launch of the new UTS Library online experience. To complement the new UTS Blake Library in UTS Central, the digital library experience is being transformed to improve access to key resources, advice, support, and training. With approximately 5.5 million page views in 2020, the new website implements feedback from students, researchers, and teaching staff across multiple surveys, feedback groups, and user experience studies.
Adaptive and personalised support
As we are freed from classrooms and offices to study and work, our need for personalised support that adapts to how we are working has increased. Built into the new website is an improved support system that connects chat, enquiry management, and FAQs ensure your queries are answered quickly and correctly.
With the proliferation of video conferencing in our daily lives, our new chat service can progress a text chat to a full zoom call. Need help locating a resource in the Library catalogue? Chat to Library staff and be guided through the best ways to leverage the search tools at your fingertips and locate what you need quickly.
Access to online resources
Referencing resources have been simplified to provide easier access to what is one of the most frequently visited sections on the Library website. Downloadable PDF guides ensure access for students regardless of their internet connection and a revised collection of referencing videos provide quick yet in-depth instructions on referencing. These online resources are supported by the Library’s workshops and training program – now easier to find with a dedicated section on the website – delivering training online and on-campus.
The Library’s Study Guides have also been revitalised, providing direct links to the library collection’s most relevant disciplinary resources and referencing information. Assignment specific Study Guides can also be developed in collaboration with your librarian and embedded in Canvas. This helps ensure your students can locate the most relevant information for their assignments. Working with you, librarians can build Canvas modules to embed into subjects. Popular modules include finding and evaluating information and referencing. Make an appointment with your faculty librarian to discuss the many ways we can support the student learning experience.
The new digital library
With its launch, the new website forms part of a comprehensive digital user experience upgrade across multiple Library platforms and services. Reading Lists has replaced the DRR and offers an intuitive, automated service that delivers subject readings to students in Canvas and UTS Online (Blackboard). Reading lists also streamlines purchase and digitation requests. Enhancements have been made to the recently launched new catalogue, offering a modern search engine connected to the Library Retrieval System and the UTS mobile app.
Providing 24-hour access to resources, training, advice, and support – from anywhere – the digital UTS Library will be where you are, when you need it.
Feature image by Andy Roberts.