Parks Library recently unveiled its new e-Library Web site, which promises to be more pleasing to the eye and easier use.

“What the e-Library is trying to do is include all the physical capabilities that we have in Parks Library and make them accessible through the new Web site,” said Olivia Madison, dean of library services.

The main idea of the new site is to pick up where the old site left off, she said.

“In the past year, as we have looked at our site, what we have concluded is that it is just as much a library as physically walking into Parks,” Madison said. “We also sorted out the features that people would come to a physical library for and incorporated them into the new site.”

Not only does the new site provide new features, but it also revamped old features, including the way users search through the catalog.

“You will see an enhancement in capabilities, such as a new titles area to browse a list of new materials in paper and electronic resources, and also the ability to browse customized lists of new material acquired by the library,” said David Gregory, associate professor of library services. “A major point in the incorporation of the new site is to try and create a sense of place through showcasing the artwork inside as well as outside the library that are difficult to find.”

The e-Library portal also includes the eBook, a new technology that has been around the corner in the computing world.

“We will be inaugurating the access to electronic books and have an opening collection of 750 titles, which can be read online or downloaded to a hand-held computer,” Gregory said.

The eBook system will work the same way as reference books faculty put on hold at the library, he said, providing better access to popular titles within the library.

“You will be able to check out an eBook for a pre-determined time of two to four-hour loans, and then have to renew it if no one is else is waiting to view it,” Gregory said.

Madison said she does not foresee a decrease in walk-in attendance at the library.

“The study rooms [in the library] will always be busy, which is the most popular study spot on campus,” she said. “There is also a lot of instruction that takes place here that cannot be done electronically through a Web interface.”

Gregory said the new system will expand students’ resources.

“We want [the e-Library] to be more than just collections,” he said. “We want it to be a comfortable and welcoming place for people to go and get information from anywhere.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held today at 3 p.m. in Parks Library with Interim ISU Interim President Richard Seagrave and ISU Provost Rollin Richmond. A virtual tour of the library will follow the ceremony.