Help Needed with Website Search Feature

The new website is wonderful and really pulls you in the pictures.  I think with more time I will find it easier to navigate.  The search feature wasn’t as intuitive for me.  However, I called and was able to get someone who helped me locate the book I wanted.  I was glad to know the Library owns it.  

Via email 3-26-10

Website Organization

The fixed width format of your website makes it difficult to use. If I make the window narrow enough to accomplish other work, I have to scroll left and right all the time. If I make the window full width, I can't use the extra space (it is merely covered with a blue band). If I increase the text size so that my wife can see it behind me, all the text gets scrunched up and hard to read.

If I view it on my laptop, it doesn't fit.

Instead of using a fixed width, as if the web were a piece of paper, consider using a fluid design, as if the site were to be displayed on a computer screen of unknown size. To do this, let the elements float left instead of giving them fixed positions. That way, they will be displayed left to right, until they run out of width, and then they'll start a new row, making best use of the area granted by the visitor's window. Resizing the window would let the elements redistribute themselves.

Comment received via email 2/12/10