UTA Libraries Launch Redesigned Website to Enhance Research Support and Student Success

Over the past eight months, the UTA Libraries website has undergone a significant transformation, culminating in the launch of a new, user-focused design Jan. 6, just in time for the spring semester.  

The revamped site is the product of dedicated efforts from Senior Web Developer Andrew Leverenz and Web Developer Austin Gilmore, who envisioned a platform prioritizing research, innovation and student success. 

Enhancing the Research Journey 

Imagine diving into a research project and finding exactly what you need with just a few clicks. That vision is now a reality at UTA Libraries. 

"With this redesign, we made the website easier for researchers to use so they can get what they need faster and more easily," said Leverenz. "It better highlights the Libraries offerings to enhance and support research programs, like the Day Family Research Lab on the fifth floor of the Central Library." 

The redesigned website brings research to the forefront, making it more straightforward for users to access critical tools and resources. Whether discovering specialized labs or finding scholarly articles, the site ensures that research needs are met efficiently. 

Dean of Libraries John Wang praised the newly redesigned site as a transformative tool for researchers, faculty and students.  

“I'm optimistic that this redesign will highlight the library's core values—collections, expertise, and programs—bringing them to the forefront for our students and faculty,” Wang said. “By streamlining access, enhancing discovery, and fostering deeper connections, this iteration aims to significantly improve the user experience, establishing a strong foundation to support ongoing research and learning initiatives.” 

Building a Site That Reflects Community Input 

Leverenz and Gilmore knew that creating a successful redesign meant involving the people who use and support the site daily—librarians and staff members. 

"Since we were focusing on our research mission, we were interested in what librarians thought about the site and how they interacted with it because they are the ones that are directly helping our researchers," Leverenz said. "We built our navigation for the site using their expertise as partners with researchers. They were excited and thought the changes would be helpful to our community." 

One of the site's most significant improvements is its enhanced search functionality. Previously, users were overwhelmed by pages of unsorted results. Now, the search feature allows for refined, filtered results, enabling users to pinpoint relevant materials quickly. 

Streamlining Connections and Support 

In addition to improving search capabilities, the new site introduces a quicker way to connect with UTA Libraries' staff. The enhanced staff directory now includes a convenient button next to each team member's name, allowing users to schedule appointments directly. 

These upgrades reflect a commitment to creating an experience that supports research and fosters collaboration between library staff and the community. 

A Team Effort 

Gilmore emphasized the redesign's collaborative nature, acknowledging library staff's valuable contributions across departments. 

He noted that the new site wouldn't have been possible without help from people across the Libraries. From sharing their expertise on the project to giving ideas on improving it, everyone's contribution plays a part in the project's success. 

The redesigned UTA Libraries website shows how innovation and collaboration can create a better user experience. It's more than just a facelift—it's a gateway to discovery, knowledge and academic success. 

Explore the New Site 

The new UTA Libraries website is live now, ready to help Mavericks navigate their academic journeys.  

If you encounter any challenges, the old Libraries website will remain accessible for a limited time. Also, if you have questions and feedback, please visit the Libraries' "Ask Us Now" webpage for assistance. 

Explore the redesigned website and discover how UTA Libraries is redefining research and student support.