When you woke up this morning, did you grab your phone to shut off the alarm, check the forecast, or glance at your social media feed? Do you prefer to look up something online using a mobile device instead of a desktop device? If so, you’re not alone. More than half of all web traffic now is mobile and is expected to increase 25% by 2025, according to statistics compiled by Smart Insights.
Rotating carousels have long been used by libraries to promote their collections on their websites. These virtual bookshelves are engaging readers’ advisory tools that add an interactive element to webpages. Updating your book list based on news events, pop culture, or the seasons provides an easy way to keep your website fresh. And with just a click, visitors can find the book in the catalog and place it on hold, and who doesn’t want to boost circulation?
With the release of two responsive book jacket widgets in LibraryAware, mobile patrons will have an even better online experience. Now a library’s booklist will not only rotate but the widget size will automatically adapt to the mobile device. And it couldn’t be easier to get started. Simply choose one of the two new responsive book jacket widgets, select the LibraryAware custom newsletter or NextReads issue you want to feature, pick your preferences for navigation, repeating, and transition duration, and add the code to your website. It’s instantly responsive. Want to update existing widgets to the new responsive layout? Just follow the same steps and replace the old code for your carousel with the new responsive code. We plan to convert other widgets into responsive formats in the future so stay tuned.
For Sonoma County Library, responsive widgets are essential to their vision for their website. “We’re working with key members of our team to get us a mobile-first website,” says Information Technology Manager Mike Dawe. “Getting a responsive layout has been very central to our needs. One staff member spends a lot of time trying to make the widgets responsive and this will be a big time-saver.” You can check out one of the library’s new responsive widget greeting readers on the Kids page.
Responsive widgets are just one tool to promote your collection. Help your staff build their skills through our Collection Promotion Deep-Dive course taught by NoveList experts. Contact us to get started.
Kathy Lussier is the Manager of Engagement & Services for NoveList. She is currently listening to A Million Junes by Emily Henry.
