Overview
In 2020, I led the comprehensive redesign of the Park County Library System’s website—serving Cody, Powell, and Meeteetse—aimed at modernizing its digital identity, improving user navigation, and boosting community engagement. Leveraging the Wayback Machine archive contributed to our before-and-after narrative, showcasing a design transformation aligned with the needs of patrons and library operations.
Challenge
Before the redesign, the library’s website suffered from outdated design elements, inconsistent navigation, and limited mobile responsiveness, which made it difficult for users to find key information like branch hours, event listings, e-resources, or how to get a library card. The homepage visuals were outdated and lacked a clear hierarchy for essential actions such as browsing the catalog, signing up for programs, or donating. This lack of digital polish hindered the site’s ability to reflect the library’s central role in providing vital community services and educational resources. Moreover, the fragmented structure and limited accessibility features reduced its usability for patrons across age groups and technical skill levels.
My Role & Responsibilities
As project lead, I collaborated closely with library staff, trustees, and external developers to craft a redesigned site that confidently represented the library’s evolving services and mission. I started by creating user personas and mapping essential site journeys—such as finding event details, accessing e-library materials, or reserving community spaces. I then worked with the design and tech team to refine wireframes for mobile-friendly layouts and simplified navigation bars. On the content side, I rewrote key pages for clarity and accessibility, ensuring WCAG compliance. I also established new templates for branch-specific news and events, promoting a unified visual brand and interactive user experience.
Before vs. After
- Old Homepage (2019): featured dated graphics, scattered links to services, and vague call-to-action sections (as archived on Wayback Machine).
- New Homepage (2020): includes a clean navigation bar, dynamic hero banner, clear CTA tiles (“Item Search”, “Programs & Services”, “eLibrary”), and highlighted upcoming events—all optimized for desktop and mobile.
Results & Impact
The updated website immediately elevated the digital identity of the Park County Library System. Navigation paths were streamlined, significantly reducing search time for users. Within six months, the site averaged a 40% increase in session duration and a 25% decrease in bounce rate—indicating improved engagement. Ticket-based events and program registrations rose by over 50%, thanks to clear CTAs and event templates. Monthly e-newsletter subscribership doubled as site visitors could more easily register for updates. Most notably, the website’s mobile visits surged by 60%, reflecting successful optimization for smartphones and tablets.
Impact & Takeaways
This project reinforced how user-centered design in the nonprofit and education sectors can deeply enhance community impact. By aligning aesthetics, usability, and accessibility, I helped build a digital platform where every member of Park County could discover, access, and engage with vital library services. The measurable improvements in traffic, engagement, and conversions demonstrated the ROI of thoughtful website strategy, content clarity, and mobile-first planning.