Alerts and notices

How to write an alert

  • Be concise.
  • Use plain language.
  • Explain briefly why something is happening.
  • Include a link for more info, like hours or an FAQ, if applicable.

Banner across all Drupal pages

We use a homegrown app called Notice to post site-wide banners about important things that may affect a wide swath of users. The alert includes a "last updated" date/time that is visible to users. 

Tips for Notice alerts:

  • Use an absolute link, not a relative one, since the same banner appears automatically on QuickSearch, too
  • Copy/paste this arrow if you want to put one at the end of the link: → (the styled class doesn't work in the banner)

There are two alert levels in Notice:

High-level notification

  • Yellow background color
  • Use for unexpected, emergency situations such as announcements of adverse weather delays/closings or major (extended) system outages.
  • Example:
    • Wednesday, February 19: The Hunt Library and all the branch libraries are closed due to adverse weather. The Hill Library will close at 7pm. View all Libraries hours →

Low-level notification

  • Purple background color
  • Use for anticipated hours changes (e.g. final exam hours), short-term construction alerts that affect accessible entry into the building, etc.
  • Example:
    • On Saturday, March 1, the Hunt Library will be unusually busy and full due to a Park Scholarships event. For quiet study on Saturday, we recommend the Hill Library.

Alert on specific pages

Use a callout

Updated