Library Website Comparison

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Authority

Name of Web Site The Libraries of Foster, R.I. (Tyler Free & Foster Public Library North Scituate, R.I. Library
What is the URL? http;//web.provlib.org/FosLib/ http://www.scituatelibrary.org/
Is there a recognizable sponsor of the web site? Who is it? Will it be possible to find background information about this sponsor? Yes. The library's name, address, and telephone appear at the top left and right of the page. The sponser is the library and it woudl be possible to find out information about it. I would believe that the web page goes through clan as the address includes web.provlib.org. Yes. The libraryÌs name, address and telephone is apparent at the top of the page. The sponsor is the library and it would be possible to find information about it. The page itself provides a link Ïabout our libraryÓ.
Has descriptive information about the sponsor been provided, either on the opening page or via an “about us” link? No. Yes. There is an about us link at the top left of the page.
Is there an address, phone number, or fax number provided for the sponsor? Yes. At the top right and left of the web page are the libraries addresses and telephone numbers. Yes. At the top of the page under the libraryÌs name is its address and phone number, no fax number is given.
Is a personal author identified for the information, articles, or documents presented at the web site? The local information link, including the Foster histroy have authors. They are as follows: "Foster & Scituate" Pleasant places in RI-Providence Journal, "Brief history of Foster Public Library" Jenny LaPerriere (former Foster librarian), Breif history of the Tyler Free Library" Jenny LaPerriere (former Foster Librarian, "Images of RI" Foster Preservation Society Local Historical Images The pages on the site do not appear to have a personal author identified, there is a date listed but no author.
If an author is identified, is it clear what his/her credentials are? In the case of Jenny LaPerriere it identifies her as the former Foster librarian and that she wrote this for RILA. N/A
Is there a way to contact the author? There is no contact information give to contact the authors. There is a staff directory presented on the page as well as a link to ÏAsk a LibrarianÓ.
Will it be possible to find background information about the author? Yes, but I beleive this will require some investigation and research on the patrons part. N/A

Scope and Purpose

Does the content appear to be fact or opinion? I would say the content is fact. It lists the libraries' addresses, telephone, the community calendar, government links, health information, genealogy links, local information, and provides reference links The content appears to be fact as it presents the library catalog, a link to the town of ScituateÌs history, government links, a library newsletter, a calendar of library events, and a link to reference sources.
What is the scope or purpose of this web site? The purpose of the website is to provide information to the community the library serves. It provides some library information and links to where the user can further their research, chooser leisure reading, and assist students with homework. At the top of the page under the library name and contact information there is a quote. This quote reads as follows, ÏIn the non-stop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floaties and teach us how to swimÓ. - Linton Weeks Ò The libraryÌs mission is also posted on the site as serving as a focal point in the community as well as providing informational, cultural and recreational materials to all groups. Therefore, this is the purpose of the web page.
Does the information presented here seem to be complete and comprehensive? What is included? What is excluded? I do not believe that the information presented on this site is complete because at least half of the links are dead and when you click on any of the bibliography pages they were last updated 6/11/03. I believe that the local information and research lings work quite well, but the site is lacking in providing information regarding what is going on at the library. I believe it is quite comprehensive. The libraryÌs contact information, address, hours, catalog, library events, as well as reference and recreational links are provided. I canÌt really think of anything that is excluded.
How can you tell? Is the scope described
  • At the top of the first page?
  • In any help file?
  • In a “frequently asked questions or FAQ section?
  • In any other way?
There is not a listing of FAQ's on the site. There isnÌt a link for FAQÌs or a help file presented on the site.
How does this site compare to similar information elsewhere? I believe that the site compares to others at a bare minimal, I say this becasue of its lack of updates and local library information. The reference links, local links, and governmental links are comparable to that of other sites. I believe this site is quite informational and is positively comparable to sites elsewhere. I believe since the population it serves a rural and quite small that the page is simpler and does not have as much to include about branches, staff, community events, etc. as some large libraries.
How is this database structured? The web page is divided into three columns. The Tyler Free library is on the left and the Foster Public library is on the right, a basic list of links lists down the center of the page. I would say the layout is in columns. It seems to have the library information on the top of the page and then ahs columns of links.
Are there links provided to other sources of information on this same topic? Is it clear how these links are selected? It is not clear how the links are selected other than them seem to be divided into categories, then listed as search engines, encyclopedias, general, maps, dictionaries, and news. There are other categories representing Local history, Health information, Genealogy, and Contact the Library There are links provided in categories, I would say this also is how they were chosen. The categories are collections, kids and teens, reference, Situate, and Rhode Island.
Are the links reliable? Do they get you where you need to go? The links for reference, research databases, book shelf, health information and genealogy take you where they are supposed to. A majority of the homework help and local information seem to be dead links. All of the links seem to be working. There was no trouble clicking and getting into them.

Accuracy

How accurate is this information? I am not sure how accurate the information is since the site was last updated a year ago. Have the hours changes, some site links, etc? The information on the web page seems to be accurate. I also would say that since the page was last updated on 5/25/2004, that this is a good sign of its accuracy
How can you tell? The updated date presented on the page The updated date presented onthe page
When statistics and other factual data are presented is it cited so that one can verify it? The links are all well known links, some governmental, some town, as well as popular search engines, databases, etc. The links are all well known links, some governmental, some town, as well as popular search engines, databases, etc. Not to mention the page was last updated 5/25/2004.
Are tables, charts, and graphs clear and easy to understand? The library page itself does not display any factual data. , other than its circulation policy, overdue policy, non resident borrowing fee, loan period, lost book fee, and the cost of joining the library association.
Is there any bibliography? I would say that each category presented on the libraryÌs main page has a bibliography of links to use. I would say that each category presented on the libraryÌs main page has a bibliography of links to use.
Is the document generally well-written? Free of spelling mistakes and typographical errors? The document appears to be well written and free of any typographical errors. The document appears to be well written and free of any typographical errors.

Objectivity

  • Is the information free from advertising?
    • Check the domain to ascertain possible reasons for the provision of this information
    • ..edu - university, school, or other educational site
    • ..com - company or another commercial site
    • ..gov - government site
    • ..org - nonprofit organization site
    • .~ - usually indicates a personal home page
    		 The domain is .org, therefore this is a non profit organization The domain is .org, therefore this is a non profit organization
    Is the subject controversial? If so,
    • Are all sides of the issue presented?
    • Is the presentation too bland?
    • Is there a bias? If so, is it stated up front?
    		There seems not to be anything controversial on the site. I would say that the only thing that might be controversial is the picture of the Ïstereotypical librarian with her finger to her mouth to shhÓ, but this would be left up to interpretation.
    Is the information free from advertising? The webpage is free from advertising, there are no pop ups or banners going across the site The webpage is free from advertising, there are no pop ups or banners going across the site

    Currentness

    Are any of the following dates provided?
    • Creation date
    • Post date
    • Revision date
    		There is a updated date of 6/11/2003 There is a updated date of 5/25/2004
    When was this site last updated? How can you tell? Is there any information on how often the site is updated? The site was last updated 6/11/2003, I know this because the date is at the bottom of the apge. The site was last updated 5/25/2004. I can tell because updated and the date appears on the bottom of the page.
    What was updated? It is hard to tell it was so long ago. It seems that the entire page was updated, or at least checked to see if it was still up to date.
    How does the creation of the database stay current? I am not sure how the creation of the database stays current it does not provide any information about this. I am not sure how the creation of the database stays current it does not provide any information about this.
    In cases where there is statistical data or factual data is it indicated when that data was gathered? The only statistical data occurs on pages that are not affiliated with the library The only statistical data occurs on pages that are not affiliated with the library.
    Does the information seem out of date? N/A N/A
    How stable is this site, its address and its information? Is it here today and gone (or moved) tomorrow? The site is a .org and therefore a non profit organization. It is connected directly to the library. So as long as the library has money and is in operation I believe that the site will be stable. The site is a .org and therefore a non profit organization. It is connected directly to the library. So as long as the library has money and is in operation I believe that the site will be stable.

    Arrangement and Format

    How easy is it to find and use this site? The site is easy to find. You can find it through the clan homepage and clicking on member library web sites, or you can simply search the libraries of Foster, RI in a search engine. In google I had no trouble finding it. The site seems simple to use. The site is easy to find. You can find it through the clan homepage and clicking on member library web sites, or you can simply search North Scituate Public library in a search engine. In google I had no trouble finding it. The site seems simple to use. The categories all inform the user of what they will contain and all the links are working.
    How convenient is it? I guess the site is convient for the hours and to do research away from the library itself. I would say that North Scituate is more convenient that the Foster site. This is due to the updated site, the library holiday closings, the library events, childrenÌs summer reading lists, etc.
    How well-organized? The site is simply organized with a column of links down the center. It does not have much color or overwhelming graphics. The site is very well organized in categories. The layout is easy to spot and not overdone with lots of color or graphics.
    How quickly can you usually get to this site? Get around the site? If one knows where to go to look for the information they are researching, I would say it is simple to get around the site. I believe that you can get around this site quickly. Each page presents a link that will take you back to the homepage as well as presenting a list of links you can search.
    How appropriate is the format of the database for its intended audience? I would say that most of the users what to find what they are looking for quickly and with out much work. The simplicity of the web pageÌs layout does indeed make this possible I would say that most of the users what to find what they are looking for quickly and with out much work. The simplicity of the web pageÌs layout does indeed make this possible
    Does the information seem out of date? Yes. Since the page was last updated 6/11/2003 I would say that it is indeed out of date. The information seems very current; it was last updated this week.
    Are there any hardware, software, or multimedia requirements? Not to my knowledge, there is nothing indicating this. Not to my knowledge, there is nothing indicating this.

    Design Considerations

    Does it function well with different browsers? Yes, I have had no difficulty when trying to access the site using Netscape or explorer. Yes, I have had no difficulty when trying to access the site using Netscape or explorer.
    Is too much filler used? I would say that there is not too much filler used. The site is pretty simple, monotone and not many colors. There is a little filler, but nothing overwhelming. I would say for the most part the site is fairly simple and plain. The colors it uses are 2 different shades or blue and the majority of the background is white.
    Is it obvious when you leave to a different site? I would say that is very obvious when you leave to a different site, especially since most of the content of the libraryÌs web page connects you to another site. Yes. I believe that it is obvious when you click on a link and are directed out of the library site.

    Layout Considerations

    Enough white space? There is plenty of white space, the entire background is white I do believe that there is enough of white space as a majority of the background is white.
    Overdone styles? No No
    Too many links? Since this is the majority of the site, in some instances I would say that there are a lot of choices presented to the user, not necessarily that it is bad. It gives the choice to the user to choose and use their preference. I think that there are many links provided, but that this gives the user an opportunity to find what they are looking for without making them use the librariansÌ personal preference.
    Links with too many words? No No
    Textual descriptions too brief or too long? No, the site is pretty simplistic and straight forward I do not believe that the textual descriptions are to long, I think they cover what they need to quite nicely.
    Use of color? I think that the use of color is not overdone. The site is on a white background with just maroon border and lettering. The only real use of color is that of the library pictures. The majority of the background is white and then the categories are highlighted with 2 different shades of blue. The lettering is also consistent with these shades of blue. There are 2 borders of flowers on the page in the middle but they are consistent t with the blue and are quite small.

    Graphics

    Do the graphics relate to the surrounding text? The graphics included on the site include the picture of the two libraries that without question relate to the surrounding text and there is a graphic of a calendar that relates to the link to the Ïcommunity calendarÓ. The only graphic aside form the small blue flower border in the middle of the page is the picture of the cartoonish Ïstereotypical shhing librarian with thick glasses, white hairÓ.
    Do the graphics provide important information? I suppose that the graphics of the libraries put a face to the name, so to say. They would also give people who have not been to the libraries before knowledge of what to look for. I donÌt think that the graphic provides any important or pertinent information.
    Does the size of the graphics relate to the page content? The graphics are appropriate for the location in which they are placed. The graphic size is on the small size and fits perfectly where it is placed on the page.
    Are pictures missing? No No
    What is the quality of the graphics? The graphics seem to be of good quality, they are not fuzzy or grainy. The graphics seem to be of good quality, they are not fuzzy or grainy.
    How long does it take for the graphics to display? The graphics seem to appear with the site, there is no long load time, but I am not going through a dial up connection, so there might be a delay there. The graphics seem to appear with the site, there is no long load time, but I am not going through a dial up connection, so there might be a delay there.
    Are textual descriptions of graphics provided when a text-based browser is used? Not when your mouse goes over the picture, but the library name, address and phone are placed under the graphic in the layout design Not when your mouse goes over the picture, but the library name, address and phone are placed right at the top of the page.
    Are the textual descriptions appropriate? Yes. Yes.

    Help Information

    Is “help” provided? The page asks Ïhow can we help youÓ, and then you have to send an email in and it states that an answer should be returned in 48 hours. There is no ÏhelpÓ link on the page, but there is an Ïasks the librarianÓ link on the top of the page. This allows you to send an email.
    Is “help” information easy to find? The help information is not labeled as help; it is in the link contact the library. The help information is not labeled as help but as ask a librarian.
    How helpful is the “help” information? I would say for immediate help, it is not very helpful. Although I suppose it is what they can do if there is no one at the library to answer the telephone. I would say for immediate help, it is not very helpful. Although I suppose it is what they can do if there is no one at the library to answer the telephone.
    If “help” isn't provided, should it be provided? Maybe a link to help patrons in how to use the library catalog should be provided Maybe a link to help patrons in how to use the library catalog should be provided

    Feedback Information

    Are opportunities for feedback provided? The contact the library link offers an opportunity for feedback The ask a librarian link offers an opportunity for feedback.
    Are feedback opportunities easy to find? I believe so I believe so

    Overall Feel and Look

    How well organized is the site? Fairly straight forward and simple. Fairly straight forward and simple.
    Are the pages consistent from page to page? The page will just link to a bibliography, so I would say that yes they are consistent The page will just link to a bibliography, so I would say that yes they are consistent
    How easy is it to locate important information? I would say that it should be simple, if you know what you are looking for. I would say that it should be simple, if you know what you are looking for. Or if you know what category you might find your answer in.
    On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=poor, 10=superior), rate each web site. 7 9
    Briefly describe why you rated each as you did. I gave this site a 5 because of some of the dead links it provides, because it has been a year since the site has been last updated, because there are no current events at the library, summer reading, or library news, new additions listed on the site. I do like that the layout is simple; I think it makes things easier for the user. I gave this site a 7 because I think it has a lot of information that the patron needs to be able to search. I like that it has the libraryÌs mission statement, policies, fines, loan rules and regulations, etc. I also like that it has the summer reading for students, the libraryÌs monthly news letter, and has been updated quite recently.