DUL Homepage Design Research - March 2026

Abstract

In 2026, Duke University Libraries undertook mixed-method research to inform the redesign of its homepage. The study integrated a literature review, an environmental scan of peer academic library homepages, Matomo analytics from the current site, and student focus groups featuring card sorting and wireframing. Findings across these approaches consistently identified search as the highest-priority function, followed by access to user accounts, library hours, room reservations, and research support. Results emphasize that an effective academic library homepage should prioritize task-oriented functionality over promotional content, maintain a clear and low-density visual hierarchy, and provide prominent access to high-demand services while positioning news, events, and special collections as secondary.