Library Web site Comparison

LSC 548

Authority

Name of Web Site (Name of First Library Web Site) Pawtucket Public Library
 (Name of Second Library Web Site) Providence Public Library
What is the URL?  www.pawtucketlibrary.org  www.provlib.org
Is there a recognizable sponsor of the web site? Who is it? Will it be possible to find background information about this sponsor?  Mouseworks.net.  Yes, there is a link to find background info.
  No.
Has descriptive information about the sponsor been provided, either on the opening page or via an “about us” link?  Yes. Through link at the bottom of the home page.
  N/A
Is there an address, phone number, or fax number provided for the sponsor?  Yes, through link.
  N/A
Is a personal author identified for the information, articles, or documents presented at the web site?  Yes.  N/A
If an author is identified, is it clear what his/her credentials are?  Yes.  N/A
Is there a way to contact the author?  Yes.  Assuming the library staff is the author, they can be contacted through "Contact Us" link which gives an e-mail window.
Will it be possible to find background information about the author?  Yes.  No.

Scope and Purpose

Does the content appear to be fact or opinion? Fact   Fact
What is the scope or purpose of this web site?  To provide comprehensive information related to the library on -line such as reference sources, events, hours, library catalogue etc.
  To provide comprehensive information related to the library on -line such as reference sources, events, hours, library catalogue etc.
Does the information presented here seem to be complete and comprehensive? What is included? What is excluded?  Yes. Includes: Bookmobile schedule, Reference desk, Electronic Resources, Library programs, Teen Zone, Children's Room, Teachers' Lounge, Library Catalogue, Your Library Account, Circulation policies, Strategic Plan, Directions, Parking, Hours, Friends of the Library, Genealogy Research, Research databases, Homework Central, many Kids links. Excludes: List of staff
  Yes. Includes: Librarian Reviews, Book club, Events/News, Library Catalogue, E-Resources, Classes, Kids and Teens, Parents & Teachers, Literary, About Us (Annual reports, staff, board lists, policies, hours, directions, branch locations, privacy statement) Reference links, Homework help, Ask a Librarian.  Excludes: Information about a sponsor or webmaster.
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?
 Scope is not directly described but is portrayed by the range of services offered on the home page and table of contents.
  Scope is not directly described but is portrayed by the range of services offered on the home page and extensive site map.
How does this site compare to similar information elsewhere?  This site is similar in design and scope as the Providence Public Library.  Since Pawtucket is a large community, this site is more comprehensive and detailed than many of the smaller RI libraries.
  This site is similar in design and scope as the Pawtucket Public Library.  Since Providence is Rhode Island's main city, this site also offers information linking to its many branch libraries and is overall more comprehensive than most of the smaller RI libraries.
How is this database structured?  Home page has a one row table at the top with key internal links. Highlights of important programs and information are located in the main body of the page which is broken up into 3 sections (columns) containing both text and graphic links.  At the bottom of the page, a table of contents (centered) contains 33 links related to the library.
  The home page is divided into 3 vertical sections (columns). Upper right corner, a search window is available.  An index of internal links is situated in the left column.  Bold graphic links are in the middle section.  The right column contains "Support the Library - Branch Renovation Update" link.  Located at the bottom of the page is a one row table that contains links for: About Us, Branches, Site Map, Contact Us.
Are there links provided to other sources of information on this same topic? Is it clear how these links are selected?  Yes.
 Yes.
  Yes.
 Yes.
Are the links reliable? Do they get you where you need to go?  Yes.
Yes.
  Yes.
Yes.

Accuracy

How accurate is this information? Very accurate   Very accurate
How can you tell?  Reputable sites, databases are provided.  Hours, schedules, policies are up-to-date for the current month.
  Reputable sites, databases are provided.  Hours, schedules, policies are up-to-date for the current month.
When statistics and other factual data are presented is it cited so that one can verify it?  Information with external links, such as reference databases, and internal bibliographies - yes.
  Information with external links, such as reference databases, and internal bibliographies - yes.
Are tables, charts, and graphs clear and easy to understand?  Yes, in Netscape. However, in Internet Explorer, the table at the top of the home page does not fit the space, causing overlapping and difficulty linking.
  Yes, in Netscape.  However, in Internet Exploer the home page doesn't completely fit my screen.  Either the left or right columns are slightly hidden.
Is there any bibliography?  Yes. Selected research databases, selected websites, genealogy research, favorite kids book sites.
  Yes. New Fiction Releases, New Nonfiction Releases, New Reference Sources, Civil Rights Movement, Contemporary African American, Womens' Books, Childrens', Genealogy, Historic Interiors, Jazz Books, Jazz CD's, Art of Jewelry Making, Crime Books, Latin American Fiction, Librarian's Favorite Love Stories, Science Fiction, Outdoor Activities in New England, RI Architecture, Nutrition, Parenting, Special Needs, Book Cafe Bibliographies for kids.
Is the document generally well-written? Free of spelling mistakes and typographical errors?  Yes.  Yes.

Objectivity

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
.org because of the library's non profit status.  .org because of the library's non profit status.
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?
  • Is the information free from advertising?
 No.  No.
Is the information free from advertising?  No. There is some advertising in the home page with logos used as links for Worldbook and Reference USA.
  Yes.

Currentness

Are any of the following dates provided?
  • Creation date
  • Post date
  • Revision date
Copyright date: 1999-2004
Last updated:6/26/04
Last updated: 6/25/04 
When was this site last updated? How can you tell? Is there any information on how often the site is updated?  Last updated:6/26/04 posted towards bottom of page.
  Last updated: 6/25/04 posted bottom of page
What was updated?  Assuming the date is for the whole site.  The schedules have definitely been updated since they are current for summer 2004.
  Home page updated 6/25/04.  The copyright page was updated 5/7/04.  The site map was updated 5/02.  All schedules and classes have been updated for summer 2004.
How does the creation of the database stay current?  The weekly calendar is maintained by Questkeeper which was created by Plymouth Rocket, Inc.  Otherwise, Mouseworks updates the site regularly.
  It is not stated but probably the web master updates schedules regularly.  Other, more standard sites such as policies and the site map, less frequently.
In cases where there is statistical data or factual data is it indicated when that data was gathered?  No.
 No.
Does the information seem out of date?  No.  No.
How stable is this site, its address and its information? Is it here today and gone (or moved) tomorrow?  Seems very stable, since 1999. (See copyright.)
  Seems stable.

Arrangement and Format

How easy is it to find and use this site? Very easy to find and use.  Very easy to find and use. 
How convenient is it?  Convenient, but main table of contents at bottom of page is hard to read due to light green color.
 Very convenient, especially the site map. 
How well-organized?  Organized o.k.  The mix of bold graphics and text in the home page a little confusing at first.
  Organized fine.  The site map is very useful.
How quickly can you usually get to this site? Get around the site?  Pretty quick.
  Pretty quick.
How appropriate is the format of the database for its intended audience?  Very appropriate.  Especially helpful with specific links for kids and teens.
  Very appropriate, especially with links for kids, teens, parents, and teachers.
Does the information seem out of date?  No.  No.
Are there any hardware, software, or multimedia requirements?  No.  No.

Design Considerations

Does it function well with different browsers? Functions best with Netscape Navigator.  Does not work as well with Internet Explorer and AOL.   Functions best with Netscape Navigator.  Does not work as well with Internet Explorer and AOL.
Is too much filler used?  No.  No.
Is it obvious when you leave to a different site?  Yes.  Yes.

Layout Considerations

Enough white space? Yes.  Yes. 
Overdone styles?  Too many big graphics close together with gaps of white space on home page.
  Graphics in center section, too big and bold.  They fight with each other for attention.
Too many links?  No.  But too many on home page.
  Spaced out fine.
Links with too many words?  Links with words o.k.
  No.
Textual descriptions too brief or too long?  Seems o.k.
  Seems o.k.
Use of color?  Fine and consistent on each page.
  Fine.

Graphics

Do the graphics relate to the surrounding text? Yes.  Yes. 
Do the graphics provide important information?  Yes.  Yes.
Does the size of the graphics relate to the page content?  Sometimes.  Home page has too much leftover white space.
  Not always.  The graphics in the home page are too big.  Other pages are fine.
Are pictures missing?  No.  One or two.
What is the quality of the graphics?  Good, clear, vivid.
  Good, clear, vivid.
How long does it take for the graphics to display?  In Netscape, the graphics take longer to appear in the beginning.  Some external links with elaborate graphics take a little longer.  Otherwise, once the site is up, the graphics came across pretty quick.
  In Netscape, the graphics take longer to appear in the beginning.  Some external links with elaborate graphics take a little longer.  Otherwise, once the site is up, the graphics came across pretty quick.
Are textual descriptions of graphics provided when a text-based browser is used?  Yes.  Yes.
Are the textual descriptions appropriate?  Yes.  Yes.

Help Information

Is “help” provided? Yes.
 		 Yes. 
Is “help” information easy to find? Somewhat.  The question/comment is not.  The e-reference is easy to find.   Somewhat.  "Ask a Librarian" in left column, 4th down is not easy to spot right away.  Contact web master is in tiny print at the bottom of the page - hard to see.  In Netscape, its better.
How helpful is the “help” information?  Both formats seem to be willing to answer all kinds of question
  Both formats seem to be willing to answer all kinds of questions, reference related and library related.
If “help” isn't provided, should it be provided?    

Feedback Information

Are opportunities for feedback provided? Yes. 
Are feedback opportunities easy to find?  No. Located at the bottom of middle section.  Had to hunt for it.
 Hard to spot because web master contact is in tiny letters.(In Netscape, its fine.)  However, the suggestions/e-mail link is highlighted in blue at the bottom of the page and is easier to find. 

Overall Feel and Look

How well organized is the site? Organized.  Except the home page appears a little cluttered with graphics mixed in with textural links. The extensive table of contents at the bottom of the page is good, just hard to read in Internet Explorer because of the light green color.   Very organized  The extensive site map is very helpful.
Are the pages consistent from page to page?  Yes.  Yes.
How easy is it to locate important information?  Easy.  Easy.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=poor, 10=superior), rate each web site.  8  9
Briefly describe why you rated each as you did.  Pawtucket's web site is overall very good except in some browsers, the home page has some problems such as the top row of links over laps, causing the links to not work quickly.  The light green color of the print of the table of contents at the bottom of the page makes this very important section hard to read.  However, in Netscape, it appears fine.  Otherwise, the rest of the pages are consistent in design, color and information.  Some have different graphics which add interest.  The information offered by the site is comprehensive, useful and appropriate.
  Overall, Providence Public Library's site is very good.  For such a big library, I would have expected the home page to have been designed a little better.  The home page appears busy, almost cluttered with too many big graphic links in the middle, distracting from each other.  Also, in some browsers, the overall page did not quite fit on my screen, making either the left or right columns a little hard to read the cut off words and the web master contact was in print too tiny to read.  But, in Netscape, this all appears fine.   In addition,  no sponsor information was offered.  However, the information offered is quite comprehensive, well thought out for its audience, and current.  A great site map is available which makes searching very easy.  Each page is consistent in design, text, and contains the same table of contents.