Digital agency Reading Room has been appointed to redesign the John Rylands University Library website.

Housing more than four million books and manuscripts, The Manchester library is one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.

The aim of the new website will be to engage all of the library's different users - including students, independent researchers, schools and the general public - and promote the scale of its collections.

Reading Room's aim is to design and develop "a sophisticated, technologically advanced site" that will position the library ahead of its competitors.

The Manchester agency says it will use "smart site architecture and cutting-edge search optimisation" to "significantly increase site visibility and visitation".

To ensure the site appeals to all audiences Reading Room's work will begin with a set of intensive user workshops.

“Reading Room stood out from the crowd because of the work they had previously done and when we met with them they immediately understood the framework we had to work within and what we were aiming to achieve," said Michelle Sharples, marketing and communications manager at the library.