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.