fyi : back issues

Summer 2002-Online challenges

Starting a web page - some questions for consideration 

By Rosalind Kentwell

A library website is about information and communication, so there are really only two questions.

1. How do we use the Web to communicate best? When does it succeed?

Under this question consider -
a. Does it load quickly?
b. Is it easy to navigate?
c. Is it easy for patrons to print pages (if you want them to be able to)?
d. Is there internal consistency across the site?
e. Does it reflect the ethos of the library &/or the school?
f. Is it interesting, useful and up-to-date?

Some guidelines towards achieving a good, clear style might be...

* A web site should have internal consistency: i.e. agreed colours for links, agreed fonts etc.
* A web site should have consistent navigation and links back to the home page
* External links must not open inside a library frame. This breaches copyright by implying ownership by the library.
* Images should have an ALT tag to provide some kind of heading
* The HEAD tag should be used to provide a TITLE for the page
* font - size 3 is the preferred size for text. Common fonts should be used. For example Arial for San Serif font, Times New Roman for Serif font.
* frames - use sparingly - NB see proviso above
* colours - include relevant school colours. Use white especially as background to text.
* background images - use with restraint. Should be muted and light for optimum readability and to enable printing.
* keep the length of pages to no more than 2 or 3 screens
* put the most important information at the top of the page.Be aware of these guidelines so that when you decide not to follow them it is with good reason.

2. What sort of information do we want to communicate?
Under this question consider -
a. What information about the library will be published?
b. What pictures and images will be included?
c. What pictures and images does the library have a right to publish?
d. How will the library website enhance teaching and learning in the school?
e. How will the library website complement and enhance the library program?
f. How will the library website help to provide a balanced resource collection?Material posted on the school web site should reflect the standards of excellence desired by the school library. For example - correct spelling and grammar, appropriate citations for the sources, accurate information.

Original school material
* Must show authorship - who wrote the material, who maintains the website
* Must show date added or revised
* Must reflect library policy, ideals, etc. 
b. Material from other sources
* Must be appropriately acknowledged
* Must comply with copyright regulations 

c. Images
* Recognisable photographs of individuals (especially students) must be cleared with the individual before publication on the Internet, otherwise pictures may be published for password access only. 
d. Value added is important. A page of web links is useful, a subject related Pathfinder might better more successful in encouraging student learning.
e. Consider how and why the material you present will be used
f. Consider your audience, staff, student or parent

Rosalind Kentwell is the Head of Library at Melbourne High School and the Chair of SLAV's Professional Development Committee