User‐oriented evaluation of library and information centre Web sites

Abstract

A great deal of effort has been invested in promoting high quality Web pages in general. Long lists of criteria of “good” Web pages have been proposed. So far, not many studies have been dealing with the specific problems of library and information centre Web sites. Among these studies the majority have rather been using quantitative methods. What is needed, however, are user‐oriented evaluation studies using qualitative methods dealing specifically with Web sites of libraries and information centres. An ongoing Danish study aims at developing new methods of user‐oriented evaluation of library and information centre Web pages. Main areas investigated are: Design and structure; information quality; links and navigation; visual quality; and updating. The findings from some theoretical considerations and a pilot study are presented. A preliminary evaluation method is discussed.