New Websites Launched to Improve Access to Information

Berkeley Lab’s Communications Department (Public Affairs) is harnessing the latest technology to revamp the Lab’s aging homepage and introduce a News Center. The new pages will debut in early June.

The Lab’s homepage will have a more aesthetic design and new content — a pictorial slide show that highlights the Lab’s broad scientific endeavors, the latest research updates, a link to key scientific programs, and access to the News Center. The page also retains its most crucial functions, including links to information about the divisions and user facilities, as well as other important resources, such as the A-Z index, education outreach, employment, tech transfer and safety.

The News Center will be a one-stop-shop for all Lab news. It will include the latest press releases, in-depth scientific feature stories, recent news clips, and YouTube videos of Lab-sponsored talks. A “Short Takes” section will showcase awards, special events, and other general scientific announcements. The site will also feature audio files of lectures, a searchable archive, web feeds, and links to  social bookmarking sites that enable users to save and share content.

As part of the upgrade, the Today at Berkeley Lab e-mail has also been redesigned. The e-mail will be more succinct and easier to read, with information divided into science news and employee news. The e-mail will also include links to the cafeteria menu and the events calendar. TheTABL e-mail will be sent out as news is generated, anywhere from three to five times a week.

The Employee News page, accessible from the News center and TABL e-mail, will be the repository for general, administrative news that applies to both scientific and operations staff. It will include video features, and a searchable archive, as well as links to information on key operations initiatives, such as safety and construction. Links to the Flea Market classified ad service, cafeteria menu, and events calendar are also featured on the site.

Questions or comments about the new websites can be sent to Lyn Hunter, Communications Department web editor.