Extreme Makeover!
25,000 Pages of Information Get New Look on New York Public Library's Redesigned Website

New Offerings and Links on www.nypl.org Offer Fresh Perspective

New York, NY, May 6, 2004 --- Nearly a decade has passed since The New York Public Library first launched its website (www.nypl.org). Since that time, technological advances, user demands, and ever-expanding content have prompted many updates to the site, which was last redesigned in 1999. Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library, announced today that the Library has launched its newly-designed website this week, a complete reconception of 25,000 pages of information and resources. The new site has an improved look and functionality and incorporates features from a user's point of view.

"The Library worked with sbi.razorfish, a consulting firm that designs and implements web-based systems and integrated marketing programs," said Dr. LeClerc. "The reconceived homepage leads the user to both new offerings and pre-existing resources that may have escaped notice previously. It also coincides with the release of a new, easy-to-use graphics interface for LEO, our circulating books catalog."

Among the new offerings are:

  • A "Quick Links" box with fast answers to common questions such as How Do You Get a Library Card and How Do You Connect with Wireless?
  • A comprehensive daily events calendar of readings, classes, films, performances, and other public programs
  • "Readers and Writers," a listing of upcoming author visits, book discussion groups, and great reads
  • Bestsellers on the LEO Catalog with chapter excerpts that can be browsed and searched
  • Pathfinders, webliographies, and short feature articles accessible through "Articles and Features
  • A "Tell Us Your Story" area where visitors can share their thoughts on how the Library has affected their lives

"Razorfish conducted research, met regularly with staff, and interviewed Library patrons in order to uncover insights into the behavior patterns of typical Library users," explained Dr. LeClerc. "The resulting design incorporates a user-directed, user-friendly functionality with a clean and elegant layout. It also reinforces the Library's visual identity throughout the site."

The new website provides quick access to a host of popular resources, including:

  • Links to dozens of FREE electronic databases on topics such as Health, Homework Help, Job Resources, and access to full-text articles in thousands of newspapers and magazines
  • Digital images from our online Picture Collection and other collections
  • Online exhibitions that draw on some of the Library's world-class collections, such as "Russia Engages the World, 1453-1825" and "Vaslav Nijinsky: Creating a New Artistic Era"
  • Dedicated destinations for children called "On-Lion" for Kids and TeenLink for young adults
  • The New York Small Business Resource Center, a dedicated website for small business owners
  • A service called "Ask Librarians Online" that provides answers to almost anything anyone needs to know; "Ask a Librarian" in Spanish, open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week
  • Online guides to help with research in the arts, history, science, and business

The Library's website receives visits from more than 240 countries annually. Use of the site has grown dramatically since 1995, when there were 100,000 user sessions. Over the last 12 months, NYPL has logged 12.2 million user sessions; in March 2004 alone that figure stood at 1.3 million.

Contact: Nancy Donner, Tina Hoerenz, 212.221.7676