building better web sites

Building Better Web Sitesweaving your web

Shane Sherssher@provlib.org

PPL Computer Training SpecialistCaptain Blog

Stephanie Chausseschausse@provlib.org

PPL Web WeaverWellness Well-doer . . . 

Evaluate your Audience

What are your patrons looking for?

Are there special groups to target?

Surveys

Technically speaking . . .

Use XHTML with CSS Use include files for

repeating items Analyze stats with

counters like W3

Browsers

Resolutions

Decide on fluid or fixed width

Fluid

Fixed

Organize . . . logically

list all topics on current Web site

outline and group items

create categories

Organize . . . visually 

clear, consistent layout

use color purposefully use images sparingly,

avoid clutter find royalty-free

images morguefile.com Photos.com

Ugly sites  Phillips Designs

The CSI Companies

Brita

It’s a mystery . . .

Usability = ease of use

Organize . . . practically

think like a patron, not like a librarian

use clear, simple navigation

make page headings consistent with navigation

make your information accessible

Usability

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Other tools

Eye-tracking

Eye-tracking

Eye-tracking

Eye-tracking on Google search results

Organize . . . for search engines

use clear, specific page titles in TITLE BAR

use strong H1suse keyword rich meta-tags

and fresh content

Web 2.0 can feel like tangled mess

User Organization

GoogleGoogleTagging Tagging Social bookmarking like Social bookmarking like del.icio.usRSS FeedingRSS FeedingBadgesBadges

Challenges

Who will provide content?

Who will support financially and technically?

Sometimes it's better to do less better, than do more, less effectively.

Blogs

Archives old posts automatically

Commenting area

Tagging

Blog vs. SitePositives

Blog vs. Site Positives

Blog Easy to use Many times free Easily adaptive to

many needs Multiple editors Fresh content more

manageable Tagging

Web site Unlimited space Free reign Imagination (or your

support person) is the only barrier

No design constraints

Blog vs. SiteNegatives

Blog vs. Site Negatives

Blog Limited design Not always local Limited space

Web site Expensive Need design skills Need software,

Dreamweaver

View many sites

It's a lonely place . . .

…or not!

Biblio

Old advertisements from Plan 59Eye tracking from useit.com/eyetracking in case you're up for a challenge, the guy

on the mountain offers classesFree counters from w3counter.com

Building Better Website links