In this 4-question interview, Conny tells us about an exciting content project, a favorite tool, the place of SEO and shares a cool video with us.
1) What is the most exciting content project you’ve worked on over the past year?
Launching the student-led redesign of the Kennedy Library website. The goal of the project was to create a consistent and engaging user experience that would provide easy user access to information and resources students need to accomplish their work. Clear calls to action should support user engagement with library programs, services, events, and opportunities for collaboration and giving. Working with a UI/UX student assistant and a web development student assistant, we carried out interviews, user studies and observations that informed the design and implementation of all changes. The improved design was launched January 6, 2017.
2) What is your favorite tool to use when working on content projects?
We are frequently using Basecamp for various projects across all departments of Kennedy Library. Basecamp allows for easy collaboration between individuals or teams. To-do lists and deadlines can easily be added to document all project milestones and share tasks with other team members. Message boards and chat help with team communication, a separate client view will hide internal comments from the stakeholders or decision makers. Basecamp offers flexible plans and educational pricing.
3) What is the place of search engine optimization in your content creation and distribution process?
Content is key for SEO. In order to integrate relevant keywords into our content, i.e. actual search terms students are using, my team regularly consults with the Student Library Advisory Council (SLAC), a student-run committee that advises the library on matters regarding the Robert E. Kennedy Library, and provides a student voice on library issues to decision-makers and supporters. We try to reflect their ‘language’ in social media and on the website (i.e. calling it front desk, not circulation desk; visitor not patron) to achieve search engine success.
4) Video has become a key format. Can you share the most successful video produced at your school?
As the chair of Kennedy Library’s Take5 committee, I organize events that de-stress students during mid-terms and finals week. We regularly bring therapy dogs, shelter cats or dairy goats to campus for “cuddle your stress away” events. The most played video (2,500 plays) is called “GoatPro: Goats at Kennedy Library” starring one of the goats as the “narrator” of the video – we mounted a GoPro on her back, and you follow the event through her perspective. We share videos on social media, the library website and our vimeo account.
A conference focusing on content strategy & practices in higher ed?
The HECO conference has become a must-attend event for marketing and communication professionals in higher education looking for new ideas and best practices for content creation, management and distribution..
Read below what a few of your higher ed colleagues who attended the past editions of the Higher Ed Content Conference say about the event.