2. Hello!
I am Rebecca Blakiston
I am here because I love writing for the web.
2
@blakistonr
rebeccablakiston.info
3. why I care
usability
content is the heart of any
website and critical for
usability
inclusivity
useful, understandable
content is more
accessible to everyone
engagement
libraries provide great
things and people should
know about it
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6. who is your primary
audience?
★ students
★ faculty
★ employees
★ researchers
★ visitors
★ librarians
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7. what do you know about
them?
➔ experience with library systems
➔ technology they use
➔ other websites they use
➔ motivations
➔ challenges
➔ any other context
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8. why are they here?
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primary questions
➔ what do they want to know?
primary tasks
➔ what do they want to do?
9. meet the
navigator
“The library provides me with a
space to meet and study,
computers to use, printers to print
things, and a place to work quietly."
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10. meet the
learner
"I use library resources to find
study material that helps prepare
me for upcoming tests and
projects."
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11. primary questions
➔ what hours are the library open?
➔ what technology can I borrow?
➔ are study rooms available?
Nate the navigator
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primary tasks
➔ reserve a study room
➔ place a book on hold
➔ request technology
12. primary questions
➔ how do I know if this article is
peer-reviewed?
➔ how do I cite this source?
Linda the learner
12
primary tasks
➔ complete a tutorial
➔ find a scholarly article
➔ cite sources
31. tighten things up
original revised
a minimum of at least
to ensure for
in spite of the fact that though
31
32. remove unnecessary words
32
➔ Please note…
➔ It should be noted that…
➔ It is interesting to note that…
➔ We should point out that…
➔ You will find that...
33. remove unnecessary words
33
➔ Please note…
➔ It should be noted that…
➔ It is interesting to note that…
➔ We should point out that…
➔ You will find that...
34. avoid long noun phrases
original revised
data management consultation
request form
request a data management
consultation
English curriculum development
assistance
assistance in developing English
curriculum
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36. remove unnecessary instructions
36
➔ Fill out the survey below.
➔ Use the following steps to complete the process.
➔ Be sure to read these instructions carefully.
37. remove unnecessary instructions
37
➔ Fill out the survey below
➔ Use the following steps to complete the process
➔ Be sure to read these instructions carefully
39. “
Your objective should always be
to eliminate instructions entirely
by making everything self-
explanatory, or as close to it as
possible.
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Steve Krug, author of
Don’t Make Me Think
49. use active, direct voice
original revised
Eligibility will be verified. We’ll verify your eligibility.
Patrons must sign in to renew
books.
Sign in to renew your books.
The consultation request form
may be used.
Request a consultation.
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50. use strong verbs
original revised
came upon discovered
get new furniture purchase new furniture
we are in support of we support
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51. use strong nouns
original revised
the collective thinking across
campus is that...
students and faculty think...
the recommendations from the
committee are to...
the committee recommends...
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52. avoid complex sentence
structure
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“The library administration wants your help in identifying
actionable steps that faculty researchers can take to
accelerate the transition to and build capacity for more
open, inclusive, and equitable systems of scholarship,
service, and community outreach.”
53. avoid complex sentence
structure
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“The library administration wants your help in identifying
actionable steps that faculty researchers can take to
accelerate the transition to and build capacity for more
open, inclusive, and equitable systems of scholarship,
service, and community outreach.”
57. use meaningful link labels
original revised
The newsletter is now available. The newsletter is now available.
Mentor applicants, use this form. Apply to be a mentor.
If you can’t find the book, click
here to go to interlibrary loan.
If you can’t find the book, use
interlibrary loan.
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