Library/Information Services Website Comparison
LSC 548
Authority
| Name of Web Site | (Name of First Library Web Site) | (Name of Second Library Web Site) |
| What is the URL? | ||
| Is there a recognizable sponsor of the web site? Who is it? Will it be possible to find background information about this sponsor? | ||
| Has descriptive information about the sponsor been provided, either on the opening page or via an “about us” link? | ||
| Is there an address, phone number, or fax number provided for the sponsor? | ||
| Is a personal author identified for the information, articles, or documents presented at the web site? | ||
| If an author is identified, is it clear what his/her credentials are? | ||
| Is there a way to contact the author? | ||
| Will it be possible to find background information about the author? |
Scope and Purpose
| Does the content appear to be fact or opinion? | ||
| What is the scope or purpose of this web site? | ||
| Does the information presented here seem to be complete and comprehensive? What is included? What is excluded? | ||
How can you tell? Is the scope
described
|
||
| How does this site compare to similar information elsewhere? |
Basic Architecture of the Website
| How is this site organized? Are the content categories pertanent to the entire library? Is the organization appropiate for the users? | ||
| What navigation system is used? Is it clear how these links are selected? Is the navigation system appropriate for the users? | ||
| Are the links reliable? Do they get you where you need to go? | ||
| What search systems are used? Can the user search the content of the site? Are the search systems appropriate for the users? | ||
| What are the labeling systems? How are the categories, options, and links described? Are they meaninful to the users? |
Accuracy
| How accurate is this information? | ||
| How can you tell? | ||
| Are tables, charts, and graphs clear and easy to understand? | ||
| Is the document generally well-written? Free of spelling mistakes and typographical errors? |
Objectivity
Check the domain to ascertain
possible reasons for the provision of this information
|
||
| Is the information free from advertising? |
Currentness
Are any of the following dates
provided?
|
||
| When was this site last updated? How can you tell? Is there any information on how often the site is updated? | ||
| What was updated? | ||
| How does the creation of the database stay current? | ||
| In cases where there is statistical data or factual data is it indicated when that data was gathered? | ||
| Does the information seem out of date? | ||
| How stable is this site, its address and its information? Is it here today and gone (or moved) tomorrow? |
Arrangement and Format
| How easy is it to find and use this site? | ||
| How convenient is it? | ||
| How quickly can you usually get to this site? Get around the site? | ||
| How appropriate is the format of the site for its intended audience? | ||
| Are there any hardware, software, or multimedia requirements? |
Design Considerations
| Does it function well with different browsers? | ||
| Is too much filler used? | ||
| Is it obvious when you leave to a different site? |
Layout Considerations
| Enough white space? | ||
| Overdone styles? | ||
| Too many links? | ||
| Links with too many words? | ||
| Textual descriptions too brief or too long? | ||
| Use of color? |
Graphics
| Do the graphics relate to the surrounding text? | ||
| Do the graphics provide important information? | ||
| Does the size of the graphics relate to the page content? | ||
| Are pictures missing? | ||
| What is the quality of the graphics? | ||
| Are textual descriptions of graphics provided when a text-based browser is used? | ||
| Are the textual descriptions appropriate? |
Help Information
| Is “help” provided? | ||
| Is “help” information easy to find? | ||
| How helpful is the “help” information? | ||
| If “help” isn't provided, should it be provided? |
Feedback Information
| Are opportunities for feedback provided? | ||
| Are feedback opportunities easy to find? |
Overall Feel and Look
| How well organized is the site? | ||
| Are the pages consistent from page to page? | ||
| How easy is it to locate important information? | ||
| On a scale of 1 to 10 (1=poor, 10=superior), rate each web site. | ||
| Briefly describe why you rated each as you did. |