As the last days of summer wind down, the web team would like to introduce a couple new features we’ve just added to the CQ/AEM content development toolset, which should provide direct benefits to our end-users.
Libraries Map
For some time now we’ve been in need of new campus map to help patrons find their way to our many libraries, collections, and service points. So we’ve just rolled out a customized Google map designed to address that need. The data displayed in the information boxes on the map is pulled from our existing Location Entry pages and Hours Manager, which already populate LibraryWeb sidebars. This information will always be consistent throughout the site, and can be updated at any time.
Links to the map can be set to automatically highlight a particular location.
Additionally, the same component we’ve built to generate the Libraries map can also be used on any page to highlight a single location.
Check it out, and let us know what you think: http://library.columbia.edu/locations/map.html
ShareThis
Another piece of functionality many of you have requested is the ability to allow users to easily share our content with other users. So we’ve created a ShareThis widget component for just this purpose. The component can be customized to enable sharing via up to 10 different social media channels.
In the coming weeks we’ll be updating the CQ/AEM User Guide to include details on when, where, and how to take advantage of these new components. If you’re interested in a hands-on demonstration, sign up for our upcoming CQ/AEM Workshop on Sep. 24th.
Visual Identity & Website Guidelines
In coordination with the Libraries’ communication office we’ve recently published new Visual Identity & Website Guidelines, which can be found in the Web Development section of StaffWeb. LibraryWeb, Hours Manager, CUL Blogs, and most of CUL’s existing web properties are already designed in alignment with these principles, but CUL’s online presence is increasingly diversified with new web applications, collaborative blogs, hosted services, and other web initiatives. These guidelines will help ensure consistent branding, navigation, and content rendering as new CUL web properties are brought online. Feel free to send any questions or comments about the guidelines to the WCM Help Desk (cul-wcm@columbia.edu).