University of Florida
www.ufl.edu/libraries/
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The main page of the library site gives the user the options to choose from the George A. Smathers Libraries, the Health Science Center Libraries and the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center. Additional links lead to Library West (humanities and social sciences), Marston Science Library, Architecture and Fine Arts Library, Education Library, Allen H. Neuharth Journalism and Communications Library, Music Library and the UF Digital Collection. Each library link gives a brief description of the individual library's holdings and locations. The only site that differs in design layout is the Health Science Center Library. While the other libraries use the whole page to display their content, this site only uses half the screen to display its catalog and other information.
2.) Site Navigability - Due to the vast number of libraries (10 represented on the site) the navigation is extensive, however not all of the individual library pages contain catalogs or database features. A few only contain information about the buildings and their collections (Library West, with a few links to services). Smathers Library (Library East) site only has links to units and services. The navigability of the remaining library sites is well designed with the main categories having bold lettering and the associated links placed below them. The Health Sciences Center Libraries site has well designed links, however the content is restricted to only half of the page (see "Overall Appearance/Design" above).
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - Health Science Center Libraries has a virtual tour feature and even though content is displayed on half of a page, it contains photos, maps and descriptions of the building. Tour is also equipped with links to take the users to certain locations.
The University of Florida Digital Collections gives users access to unique and rare digitized materials in the areas of: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; Maps; Florida (materials related to the state); World (African, Caribbean, South American collections); Florida Collections; and Education Modules - Resources for Teachers.
Library RSS feeds are also available.
4.) Quality of Content - An extensive amount of resources contained within each of the individual libraries connect users to every conceivable subject. Each sub-site is well designed, with good link layout and navigation.
5.) Site Management and Communication - The three "main" sites (George A. Smathers Libraries, Health Science Center Libraries and the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center) contain "last updated" information as well as addresses and e-mail contacts.
Additional Comments - The University of Florida Libraries site is extensive in scope. While not the most efficient or "clean" looking as some of the smaller academic libraries, the site navigability is good and well laid out. The sheer volume of resources that a user has access to makes it an invaluable research tool. The Digital Collection is especially impressive for people doing research and has an abundance of material contained within it.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Public College
Lyndon State College (Vermont)
http://www.lsc.vsc.edu/
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The dark and light green colors as well as the photos on the Home page gives the site a welcoming appearance. The date is displayed at the top of the page as well as the Samuel Read Hall Library banner. At the bottom is a news feature, "What's New" with library and college event postings. The hours and phone numbers of the library are also available on the page.
2.) Site Navigability - Links are divided into different categories: Find Books and More (On-line catalog); Find Articles and More (Databases and serials); Resources by Subject (Subject and Course Guides); and Fast Facts (Quick on-line reference). Categories are placed in an efficient, uncluttered and easy to read format. The Main page also has a side bar with links to additional resources like Fast Facts, on-line resources and contact information.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The library has set up a Facebook and a library weblog. The Main page has links to both features. There are also links to netlibrary (e-books) and the Info Literacy Tutorial.
4.) Quality of Content - Library catalog contains Basic and Advanced Search features, as well as the ability to search the collections of other colleges in Vermont and the Library of Congress. The E-Books link provides access to the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Due to the college's small enrollment (approximately 1400 students) the library's number of subscription databases is limited, however users do have access to Lexis-Nexis, ERIC and Medline. The number of on-line journals is substantial. The Web Searching Help page has links to a number of wikis whose credibility is unknown, however the wikis only supply the user with information about web searching strategies.
5.) Site Management and Communications - There is a copyright at the bottom of the page. The top of the page also shows the current date and year. Links to contact information include phone numbers of library departments, library address and staff information (e-mails and phone numbers).
Additional Comments - While the small enrollment of Lyndon State College limit the number of subscription databases, the institution has access to other academic and public libraries in Vermont. The site reflects the rural heritage of Vermont with its green colors and "homey" appearance, but what makes the site stand out is its simple, yet extremely user friendly arrangement of hyperlinks. This is also the only site from the many that were researched (including larger universities) to make use of Facebook and other up and coming social networking sites.
http://www.lsc.vsc.edu/
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The dark and light green colors as well as the photos on the Home page gives the site a welcoming appearance. The date is displayed at the top of the page as well as the Samuel Read Hall Library banner. At the bottom is a news feature, "What's New" with library and college event postings. The hours and phone numbers of the library are also available on the page.
2.) Site Navigability - Links are divided into different categories: Find Books and More (On-line catalog); Find Articles and More (Databases and serials); Resources by Subject (Subject and Course Guides); and Fast Facts (Quick on-line reference). Categories are placed in an efficient, uncluttered and easy to read format. The Main page also has a side bar with links to additional resources like Fast Facts, on-line resources and contact information.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The library has set up a Facebook and a library weblog. The Main page has links to both features. There are also links to netlibrary (e-books) and the Info Literacy Tutorial.
4.) Quality of Content - Library catalog contains Basic and Advanced Search features, as well as the ability to search the collections of other colleges in Vermont and the Library of Congress. The E-Books link provides access to the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Due to the college's small enrollment (approximately 1400 students) the library's number of subscription databases is limited, however users do have access to Lexis-Nexis, ERIC and Medline. The number of on-line journals is substantial. The Web Searching Help page has links to a number of wikis whose credibility is unknown, however the wikis only supply the user with information about web searching strategies.
5.) Site Management and Communications - There is a copyright at the bottom of the page. The top of the page also shows the current date and year. Links to contact information include phone numbers of library departments, library address and staff information (e-mails and phone numbers).
Additional Comments - While the small enrollment of Lyndon State College limit the number of subscription databases, the institution has access to other academic and public libraries in Vermont. The site reflects the rural heritage of Vermont with its green colors and "homey" appearance, but what makes the site stand out is its simple, yet extremely user friendly arrangement of hyperlinks. This is also the only site from the many that were researched (including larger universities) to make use of Facebook and other up and coming social networking sites.
Liberal Arts College
Carroll College (Helena, Montana)
www.carroll.edu/library
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - Clean, efficient appearance, no overuse of flashy images or graphics. The banner of the college is at the top of the screen with links back to the Home page features (Prospective students, academics, athletics, etc.). Library hours, contact information and address are also listed on the page.
2.) Site Navigability - Main features and functions that users need (periodicals/articles, databases and indexes, research resources) have clear links at the top of the page. The Library Resources category features Search by Subject, Indexes and WorldCat and other resources in simple hyperlinks.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - No multimedia content is located on the site. Links to Campus Computing and Information Technology site. Link to RSS feed (News) at the bottom of the page.
4.) Quality of Content - Informative and easy to use links on the site. Also included on the site is information about the library's long range plans. Due to the college's small size (approximately 1500 students) the accessibility to a wide range of subscription databases is limited. Additional electronic resources, including access to other academic libraries is impressive, as well as links to other shared resources.
5.) Site Managment and Communications - No information present on school or library sites as to when the site was last updated. Copyright information provided on library catalog page. RSS feeds (News) indicate that they are up to date.
Additional Comments - While the small size of the school makes its access to subscription database resources more limited than that of a large university, the Carroll College site is a well designed, clean looking and efficient site. Exploring additional links within the site the user has access to shared resources and links to other worldwide and state (Montana) library sites.
www.carroll.edu/library
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - Clean, efficient appearance, no overuse of flashy images or graphics. The banner of the college is at the top of the screen with links back to the Home page features (Prospective students, academics, athletics, etc.). Library hours, contact information and address are also listed on the page.
2.) Site Navigability - Main features and functions that users need (periodicals/articles, databases and indexes, research resources) have clear links at the top of the page. The Library Resources category features Search by Subject, Indexes and WorldCat and other resources in simple hyperlinks.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - No multimedia content is located on the site. Links to Campus Computing and Information Technology site. Link to RSS feed (News) at the bottom of the page.
4.) Quality of Content - Informative and easy to use links on the site. Also included on the site is information about the library's long range plans. Due to the college's small size (approximately 1500 students) the accessibility to a wide range of subscription databases is limited. Additional electronic resources, including access to other academic libraries is impressive, as well as links to other shared resources.
5.) Site Managment and Communications - No information present on school or library sites as to when the site was last updated. Copyright information provided on library catalog page. RSS feeds (News) indicate that they are up to date.
Additional Comments - While the small size of the school makes its access to subscription database resources more limited than that of a large university, the Carroll College site is a well designed, clean looking and efficient site. Exploring additional links within the site the user has access to shared resources and links to other worldwide and state (Montana) library sites.
Private Research University
University of Southern California
http://www.usc.edu/libraries/
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The site is well laid out with different categories in red bold letters with headings like, "Research", "How To", "Library Services", and "Inside the Libraries". It also includes news, bulletins and information on supporting the library. A photographic slide show at the top shows four alternating clips of upcoming events.
2.) Site Navigability - Excellent layout with links grouped by categories. Library catalogs are divided into HOMER (USC libraries), HELIX (health sciences) and ADVOCAT (law). HOMER and HELIX contain advanced search functions. ADVOCAT contains a SUDOCS NO. feature. Site links are placed into well defined, user friendly columns for easy searching. Clear printing defines each link for minimal confusion on the part of the user.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The "Ask A Librarian" feature utilizes: In Person; Live Chat; via e-mail; via telephone; and by appointment for students to ask reference questions. Also included is "Roving Reference", not a new technology per se, but a new service for students. With this service a reference person is available at another location (USC Writing Center) two days a week to answer questions. USC Digital Archive contains historical materials presented in photographs, maps, oral histories, sound recordings and other multimedia. Users can look up records by historical locations or time periods.
4.) Quality of Content - The content on the site is extensive with an excellent selection of catalogs, electronic resources, databases and e-journals (under "Research" column). There are also links for users to learn basic research skills, reserve a library space and get reference help ("How To" column). Library instruction (sign-up sheet), Interlibrary Loan, and Course Reserves are a few of the links in the "Library Services" column.
5.) Site Managment and Communication - Copyright at the bottom of the page, along with "Contact Us" and "Site Feedback" links. Main page of library site also contains "Spotlight" and "Bulletins" sections with recent news. Site has a link to 2007 User Satisfaction Study Results which lists Collection Statistics from the 2005-2006 fiscal year.
Additional Comments - The simple, uncluttered layout of the hyperlinks lead to an absolute wealth of information for students and researchers. The Digital Archive is especially impressive.
http://www.usc.edu/libraries/
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - The site is well laid out with different categories in red bold letters with headings like, "Research", "How To", "Library Services", and "Inside the Libraries". It also includes news, bulletins and information on supporting the library. A photographic slide show at the top shows four alternating clips of upcoming events.
2.) Site Navigability - Excellent layout with links grouped by categories. Library catalogs are divided into HOMER (USC libraries), HELIX (health sciences) and ADVOCAT (law). HOMER and HELIX contain advanced search functions. ADVOCAT contains a SUDOCS NO. feature. Site links are placed into well defined, user friendly columns for easy searching. Clear printing defines each link for minimal confusion on the part of the user.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The "Ask A Librarian" feature utilizes: In Person; Live Chat; via e-mail; via telephone; and by appointment for students to ask reference questions. Also included is "Roving Reference", not a new technology per se, but a new service for students. With this service a reference person is available at another location (USC Writing Center) two days a week to answer questions. USC Digital Archive contains historical materials presented in photographs, maps, oral histories, sound recordings and other multimedia. Users can look up records by historical locations or time periods.
4.) Quality of Content - The content on the site is extensive with an excellent selection of catalogs, electronic resources, databases and e-journals (under "Research" column). There are also links for users to learn basic research skills, reserve a library space and get reference help ("How To" column). Library instruction (sign-up sheet), Interlibrary Loan, and Course Reserves are a few of the links in the "Library Services" column.
5.) Site Managment and Communication - Copyright at the bottom of the page, along with "Contact Us" and "Site Feedback" links. Main page of library site also contains "Spotlight" and "Bulletins" sections with recent news. Site has a link to 2007 User Satisfaction Study Results which lists Collection Statistics from the 2005-2006 fiscal year.
Additional Comments - The simple, uncluttered layout of the hyperlinks lead to an absolute wealth of information for students and researchers. The Digital Archive is especially impressive.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Community College
Community College of Rhode Island
http://www.ccri.edu/lerc/lib.htm
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - Good use of graphics with the school name and logo at the top of the page. Main headings (Library Databases, Web Resources, Library Information, etc.) are well designed with larger, bold fonts.
2.) Site Navigability - Quick Search and Quick Links functions at the top of the page. Library Resources heading lists HELIN Library Catalog, an excellent search engine utilizing Keyword, Author, Title, options as well as LC Subject and MeSH to search for books. Drop down menu can also limit search to specific materials (journals, films, government publications) and different organizations and universities. Library Information section has links to conveniently take the user to Directions, Hours, Staff Directory or they can scroll down the page.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The site has a link to "Ask A Librarian", a feature which allows students to e-mail reference questions to the staff.
4.) Quality of Content - Catalog is impressive with the ability to look up MeSH headings. The community college has a limited access to the number of periodical databases that students can use, but has a larger number (several thousand) of E-Journals. CCRI Library is a member of the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN). HELIN is a consortium consisting of approximately eleven colleges and universities in the area including Brown University, University of Rhode Island and the Association of Rhode Island Health Sciences Libraries (ARIHSL). The collections of the other HELIN member libraries are open to CCRI students for borrowing of materials and resource sharing.
5.) Site Management and Communication - Site contains hyperlinked Statement of Responsibility, an e-mail for comments and suggestions, a "Last Modified" statement and a copyright statement.
Additional Comments - The library Home page has a simple, yet effective layout with the placement of its hyperlinks. The "Quick Search" and "Quick Link" boxes are available for simple searches. "Jim Salisbury's Five Favorites" (one of the reference librarians) has a link to his five favorite books. Books in the list are linked to the catalog to notify the users on their status within the collection. A "What's New" link gives users information on recently acquired library materials.
http://www.ccri.edu/lerc/lib.htm
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - Good use of graphics with the school name and logo at the top of the page. Main headings (Library Databases, Web Resources, Library Information, etc.) are well designed with larger, bold fonts.
2.) Site Navigability - Quick Search and Quick Links functions at the top of the page. Library Resources heading lists HELIN Library Catalog, an excellent search engine utilizing Keyword, Author, Title, options as well as LC Subject and MeSH to search for books. Drop down menu can also limit search to specific materials (journals, films, government publications) and different organizations and universities. Library Information section has links to conveniently take the user to Directions, Hours, Staff Directory or they can scroll down the page.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - The site has a link to "Ask A Librarian", a feature which allows students to e-mail reference questions to the staff.
4.) Quality of Content - Catalog is impressive with the ability to look up MeSH headings. The community college has a limited access to the number of periodical databases that students can use, but has a larger number (several thousand) of E-Journals. CCRI Library is a member of the Higher Education Library Information Network (HELIN). HELIN is a consortium consisting of approximately eleven colleges and universities in the area including Brown University, University of Rhode Island and the Association of Rhode Island Health Sciences Libraries (ARIHSL). The collections of the other HELIN member libraries are open to CCRI students for borrowing of materials and resource sharing.
5.) Site Management and Communication - Site contains hyperlinked Statement of Responsibility, an e-mail for comments and suggestions, a "Last Modified" statement and a copyright statement.
Additional Comments - The library Home page has a simple, yet effective layout with the placement of its hyperlinks. The "Quick Search" and "Quick Link" boxes are available for simple searches. "Jim Salisbury's Five Favorites" (one of the reference librarians) has a link to his five favorite books. Books in the list are linked to the catalog to notify the users on their status within the collection. A "What's New" link gives users information on recently acquired library materials.
Evaluation Criteria Used in Rating Websites
The following criteria points were used in the evaluating and rating of academic library websites:
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - This would include coloring, graphics, photos and other aesthetic qualities of the site. Whether it has a "user-friendly" appearance and also if the text is neat and logically presented.
2.) Site Navigability - This would include the actual layout of the site, hyperlink placement, connectability/functionality of links (dead links or error messages) and groupings of similiar links.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - This would include multimedia, tutorials, virtual reference (e-mail questions), virtual librarians (instant message/real time reference help) and RSS or news feeds.
4.) Quality of Content - This would include the number and types of databases and electronic journals available to students, other electronic resources available and connectibility to other libraries.
5.) Site Management and Communications - Includes how often information is updated on site, copyrights listed, e-mail links to webmaster or other entity responsible for site.
1.) Overall Appearance/Design - This would include coloring, graphics, photos and other aesthetic qualities of the site. Whether it has a "user-friendly" appearance and also if the text is neat and logically presented.
2.) Site Navigability - This would include the actual layout of the site, hyperlink placement, connectability/functionality of links (dead links or error messages) and groupings of similiar links.
3.) Use of Emerging Technology - This would include multimedia, tutorials, virtual reference (e-mail questions), virtual librarians (instant message/real time reference help) and RSS or news feeds.
4.) Quality of Content - This would include the number and types of databases and electronic journals available to students, other electronic resources available and connectibility to other libraries.
5.) Site Management and Communications - Includes how often information is updated on site, copyrights listed, e-mail links to webmaster or other entity responsible for site.
Initial Criteria Research
Researching the website design criteria that was listed in each of these three sources I noticed that several criteria points were the same from site to site. The main criteria list used in this assignment was taken from vowebdesigns.com, which listed seven factors that the company uses in designing websites. The factors were: Overall appearance; Selective use of graphics; Site Navigability; Use of emerging technology; Quality of content; Efficiency and speed; and Site Management and Communications.
Other websites researched included similiar factors of design, construction, speed, and content.
The factors taken from vowebdesigns were modified somewhat to fit this assignment. I combined Overall appearance and Use of graphics into an Overall Appearance/Design category.
Other websites researched included similiar factors of design, construction, speed, and content.
The factors taken from vowebdesigns were modified somewhat to fit this assignment. I combined Overall appearance and Use of graphics into an Overall Appearance/Design category.
Website References
Criteria for evaluating the websites was researched from these sources:
Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society - http://www.lfhhs.org.uk/help/web/criteria.htm
Federation of Family History Societies - http://www.ffhs.org.uk/awards/web/criteria.php
vowebdesignsdotcom - http://www.vowebdesigns.com/criteria.html (Vaughan O'Neill Enterprises)
Lancashire Family History and Heraldry Society - http://www.lfhhs.org.uk/help/web/criteria.htm
Federation of Family History Societies - http://www.ffhs.org.uk/awards/web/criteria.php
vowebdesignsdotcom - http://www.vowebdesigns.com/criteria.html (Vaughan O'Neill Enterprises)
Introduction
This assignment is an exercise in choosing and evaluating the library websites from a variety of academic institutions. The five categories of libraries that the class was required to evaluate were: Community college; liberal arts college; public college; major private university/center; and major public research university/center, rare book, art, special or museum collections.
Course Information
Student Name : Eric Neider
e-mail address: eneider05@yahoo.com
This assignment is for LIS 584 : Academic and Research Libraries. Course Instructors : Dr. John Ellison, University at Buffalo and Prof. John Coffta, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
e-mail address: eneider05@yahoo.com
This assignment is for LIS 584 : Academic and Research Libraries. Course Instructors : Dr. John Ellison, University at Buffalo and Prof. John Coffta, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
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