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PLEIS Web Site Re-Design: Framework and Recommendations

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

Process

PLEIS Web Site Development: Framework and Recommendations

Who Does PLEIS Serve?
How Can PLEIS Serve Its User Communities?
How Do Sites Similar to PLEIS Serve Their User Communities?
What Content Should PLEIS Provide?
Prioritizing Content Development
Organizing Site Content
Screen Mock-Ups
Environment & Convergence
High Priority Areas for Content Development
General HTML Authoring Requirements for the Site
Additional Technical Requirements and Tools
Training and Staffing Requirements
Site Performance Measurements and Evaluation

Next Steps

APPENDICES

Appendix A -- Audience Assessment

Appendix B - Competitive Analysis

Appendix C - Screen Mock-Ups

Appendix D - Summary of Options for Developing Internet Resources Collection

Executive Summary

The Province-wide Library Electronic Information System (PLEIS) web site was created in 1995 by the Provincial Library as a service for the library community in Saskatchewan.

Its purpose is to assemble together in one web site information by, for, and about Saskatchewan libraries. It provides links to library web sites and catalogue systems in Saskatchewan, library announcements, staff tools, reports and documents relating to libraries, and links to electronic information resources.

Since 1995, library services have become more "virtualized." As a consequence, content on PLEIS is rapidly expanding and quickly outgrowing the current site's structure. In addition, the library community has requested that Provincial Library create updated web site products such as the Directory of Saskatchewan Libraries Database and digitized library resources. These issues initiated the plan to re-design PLEIS.

In addition, although the site was originally designed for use by library workers, it has become clear that the public frequently uses PLEIS to identify library resources and services in Saskatchewan. PLEIS has the potential to serve a useful purpose in this regard. There are many different types of library services in the province: public libraries, school libraries, post-secondary libraries as well as many different libraries in corporations, government, etc. It can be confusing for the public to know which libraries will serve them and which have the information resources they need. Since the purpose of PLEIS is to aggregate library resources, it is a prime vehicle for promoting libraries and helping the public to understand the information and services available to them through libraries. A new design and structure is required in order to make PLEIS easier for the public to use and to promote library services to them.

The key recommendations for and benefits of re-designing PLEIS are:

  • Expand and re-structure the site to make it scalable (expandable) over time.
  • Expand and upgrade the content available for the library community. Focus on high priority items such as the Directory of Saskatchewan Libraries.
  • Re-organize the site so that key library resources are located on the main page and can be accessed quickly and easily by both the public and library staff.
  • Aggregate library information resources so that the site becomes "one-place-to-look" starting point for identifying information and services available through libraries.
  • Adopt design and communications strategies that promote Saskatchewan libraries to a public audience. This means communicating in easy to understand language how to access library resources and services in Saskatchewan and creating a site that directs the public to the appropriate library resources and web sites.

Introduction

In February 1999, a work team from the Provincial Library began consultations with Darlene Fichter, Northern Lights Internet Solutions Ltd., to develop strategies for re-designing the Province-Wide Library Electronic Information Service (PLEIS) web site.

The mandate of the team was to:

  • Assess the entire PLEIS web site for its usefulness and usability.
  • Assess how to make PLEIS expandable to house new content, including "virtual reference" services.
  • Recommend a strategy for re-designing the web site.

This document presents the work team's findings and a strategy for re-designing PLEIS.

The strategy provides a framework and recommendations for the development of the web site including identifying the site's goals, general audience, typical visitors, content, navigation, structure, screen design, priority areas for development, technical requirements and tools, and recommended next steps.

Process

Throughout this project, the work team solicited feedback and input from members of the library community.

A web Bulletin Board was set up to facilitate online discussion about the re-design of PLEIS. Participants of the Virtual Reference Working Group and Provincial Library staff were encouraged to review the Bulletin Board and submit their comments and ideas.

In addition, the work team held a consultation meeting with Provincial Library staff.

PLEIS Web Site Development: Framework and Recommendations

Who Does PLEIS Serve?

PLEIS has a varied audience. Creating a web site that works well rests on understanding the needs of these various groups.

The work team assessed PLEIS audience and audience needs by reviewing user feedback submitted to the current PLEIS site, discussing audience needs on the Bulletin Board and with Provincial Library staff, and creating audience scenarios (also discussed on the Bulletin Board). See Appendix A for the text of the audience scenarios and web bulletin board submissions.

Three broad audience groups were identified as a result of the audience assessment:

Members of Saskatchewan's library community looking for links to other library catalogues, tools to do their work, library science resources and services, and information resources for reference work.

Public Users primarily from Saskatchewan who are looking for some sort of information and are drawn to our site because they believe a province-wide library service web site should be able to help them or point them to an information provider who can help them. (Note that the public audience consists of diverse multicultural users and "communities of interest," such as, seniors, agricultural sector, business sector, and children/youth, to whom information and services can be tailored.)

Visitors from other jurisdictions who are trying to locate information on the Saskatchewan library community. For example, a librarian from PEI conducting comparative research on online reference services.

How Can PLEIS Serve Its User Communities?

PLEIS must have a purpose and goals that match the prioritized needs of its audience groups. The Work Team recommends the following purpose and goals:

Purpose

The site is by, for and about Saskatchewan libraries. It is primarily intended for use by library staff and all residents of Saskatchewan.

Goals

To support the Provincial Library and public library community's goal of ensuring equitable access to the world of information for all Saskatchewan citizens.

To aid and support the connection of libraries and library staff with one another electronically.

  • To facilitate cooperative, collaborative creation of online resources, including information resources, staff tools, and library news.
  • To draw together Saskatchewan library resources and electronic information resources in a "one place to look" web site.
  • To support the public policy objectives of providing access to government information on the Internet.
  • To provide guidance/direction to the public/library staff on how to conduct an information search using online resources and Saskatchewan library resources.
  • To promote and strengthen Saskatchewan libraries by encouraging the public to see libraries as the primary source for finding information and hence to see libraries as worthy of public funding, and worthy of being valued and continued in the community.

Linkages to Saskatchewan Library Web Sites and Provincial Library / MACH Web Site

PLEIS's effectiveness rests on strong linkages with Saskatchewan library web sites and the Provincial Library pages on the Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing web site. PLEIS is a site "by, for and about" Saskatchewan libraries.

Although it is maintained by Provincial Library staff, content for the site, in many cases, is generated by the collective efforts of the library community. It is, therefore, a separate site from the Provincial Library pages on the MACH web site.

The Provincial Library pages provide "hyperlinks" to the PLEIS web site where it is appropriate. These links are important because frequently web browsers come to the Provincial Library site looking for Saskatchewan library resources and services which are better accessed through PLEIS or Saskatchewan library web sites.

Links to PLEIS will enable these browsers to find the information they need. It is self-evident that PLEIS will contain many hyperlinks to Saskatchewan library web sites. These linkages are very important in order for PLEIS to direct both public and library community audiences to Saskatchewan library resources. In turn, it is hoped that with a useful collection of aggregated library resources and staff tools on PLEIS, Saskatchewan library web sites will provide many hyperlinks to the PLEIS site.

How Do Sites Similar to PLEIS Serve Their User Communities?

The Work Team examined several library consortia sites that were similar to a "new" expanded PLEIS site. Some of the sites were more closely related to a "new" PLEIS site serving the same audience. Other sites had a different audience but offered some strength or aspects of their approach that made them worthy of inclusion. More than 20 sites were examined in the preliminary selection process

Sites Examined:

Pioneer Utah's Online Library
http://pioneer.lib.ut.us/

Utah State Library Division
http://www.state.lib.ut.us/

Massachusetts Library and Information Network
http://www.mlin.lib.ma.us/flash3.html

The Michigan Electronic Library
http://mel.org/

LiLI: Libraries Linking Idaho
http://www.lili.org/

OhioLINK: Ohio Library and Information Network
http://www.ohiolink.edu/

Sailor: Maryland's Online Public Information Network
http://www.sailor.lib.md.us/

Most of the sites were disappointing as "parallel" cases to consider. Nevertheless, the exercise proved very useful. It enabled the work team to analyze various methods of organizing the site and to identify strategies that work and don't work. The new PLEIS site will offer many features and functions and is more extensive than most of the sites considered. For example, the new PLEIS site will have:

  • Services and resources for the library community
  • Serve a multitype library audience
  • Serve the public
  • Provide virtual reference services including links to Internet resources
  • Provide access to catalogs and library directories and commercial databases
  • Be self describing by providing areas that document specific projects and initiatives for use by members of the library community

It was difficult to find peer sites that embraced all of these areas. Many of the sites grew up organically around a consortium project and the description of that project. At some stages these sites added some direct linkages to services and provided some services to the public. Often with organic projects there will be a family of related/inter-linked sites. Utah is a case in point. The Pioneer site is the public presentation of information whereas the sister site for Utah State Library seems to have originated earlier and serves both public and library audiences. Alaska has evolved organically too and their entire Internet links are in a separate service called SLED. See Appendix B to view the complete Competitive Analysis.

What Content Should PLEIS Provide?

The Work Team identified a total of 60 content items for the site by making an inventory of existing site areas, identifying requests for new content and envisioning the site one to three years in the future. It was essential to develop as complete a list of content/features in order to ensure that the site architecture developed would scale over time. Use the colours below to determine the priority of each content item in the list:

High Priority

Medium Priority

Low Priority

Content Currently Exists on PLEIS, requires conversion

  • Clickable Map of Library Systems
    A "clickable" map would show a map of Saskatchewan with the library systems and city/town centres. Clicking on an area of the map provides you with information about the library system for that area.
  • Information about Libraries in Saskatchewan
    An important role of the web site is to provide information about libraries in Saskatchewan. This information could take the form of written text about the system, including history, roles, services, etc. Possibly, some of this information could be put in a Library Directory database (see below).
  • Links to Saskatchewan Library Web Sites
    As with the current PLEIS site, the new PLEIS site will want to direct people to library web pages throughout the province. The links could be integrated into the Library Directory and/or put elsewhere.
  • Library Directory
    The old print directory of libraries in Saskatchewan is invaluable! A web-based Library Directory on a new PLEIS site would be built in a database to allow for future updating and fast and easy searching.
  • Contact Information for Saskatchewan Libraries and Library Staff
    The current PLEIS site has attempted to keep a listing of all library staff in the province along with their e-mail addresses. Ideally, this information would be provided through the Library Directory database; however, it could also be created as a separate component.
  • Interlibrary Loan Policies and Form for Submitting Policy Changes
    An interlibrary loan exclusion list on the web site would help library staff around the province identify which library materials are not available for ILL request.
  • ILL Symbols and Policies in Canada
    An essential tool for ILL staff around the province. This content area could also include Saskatchewan library symbols.
  • InterLEND Training Registration Form
    A web-based form, same as the form currently on PLEIS, enables library staff around the province to easily register for InterLEND training.
  • ILL Resource Sharing Document
    This content area would house the ILL Resource Sharing Document. The document has two parts: Policies and Procedures, and Standards.
  • Links to Cataloguing Tools and Resources
    Links to cataloguing tools and resources on the web are currently on the PLEIS web site. This section could be expanded to include any cataloguing materials developed by Provincial Library or Saskatchewan libraries.
  • Cataloguing Standards
    Standards for cataloguing.
  • Duplicate exchange
    Duplicate exchange amongst libraries in Saskatchewan would be greatly facilitated if materials available could be posted online.
  • Library Community Reports or Documents
    This section would be an area for Saskatchewan libraries to share information on activities, projects, and library developments. It could include reports, documents, press releases, and other submissions from libraries around the province.
  • Links to Library Conferences and Conference Proceedings on the Web This content area could include links to web sites that have information about or proceedings from library conferences and events (it could also include information about upcoming conferences even if there is no web site). Alternatively, this content may be more appropriate on the SLA web site, in which case, we could provide a link straight to this type of section on SLA.
  • Links to Library Associations and Library School Web Sites This content area may also be more appropriate on the SLA page; in this case, PLEIS could provide a link straight to SLA's web site. (Any such links should include the technician's program at Kelsey Institute.)
  • Calendar of Events for Library Community
    A Calendar of Events would monitor library-related meetings and other events and make them easily accessible to library staff throughout the province. This Calendar could be created to look like a "real" calendar; users could click on a day and then a listing of events could appear.
  • Library News and Announcements
    This section could include library personnel announcements and other announcements that are "newsy" in nature. It would be very important to keep this kind of section up-to-date and interesting!
  • Training Opportunities
    Similar to the section on library conferences, this type of content area may be more appropriately housed on the SLA web site. However, it would be essential for our site to link to this section on the SLA site and for us to contribute content for this section.
  • Calendar of Library Programming Events
    This content would promote public library programming events, for the public, province-wide. This could be accomplished by linking to programming information on public library web sites around the province. Alternatively, we could aggregate this information (i.e. pull it all together) in a calendar form (more labour intensive).
  • Current Issues
    This section would highlight issues that are affecting libraries, such as telecommunications rates, sustainability of Internet access, and Y2k problem. The section could include information on the issue, links to relevant web sites, and any library community activities pertaining to the issue.
  • New Research and Development in Saskatchewan Libraries
    This section would profile new projects and initiatives that libraries are working on throughout Saskatchewan.
  • Information on the Multitype Library Board
    Saskatchewan's Multitype Library Board began operating in 1999. It has already generated a lot of information and making this information available to the library community, both in Saskatchewan and across Canada, is important. This section could include background documents on mandate, history, role, etc.
  • Communiqués from Multitype Board
    The Multitype Library Board releases a Communiqué following every meeting. This Communiqué is currently on the PLEIS web site but the link to it is on the Bulletin Board rather than its own area.
  • Reports on Multitype Projects
    This section would provide information on Multitype Projects as they are developed.
  • Informational Databases
    The Virtual Reference Project and the Database Licensing Project will provide greater access to electronic library resources for both library staff and the public. These electronic resources should be integrated into our re-designed PLEIS site in an effective way so that both the public and library staff can easily access them.
  • Library Catalogues
    Of course! But some remaining questions: how many? Just Saskatchewan catalogues? What others?
  • Government Information
    A key function of the site is to provide access to government information. This will be done in several ways: web links pointing to government information online, library catalogues showing print government documents available through local libraries, and explanations of the different types of government information sources and how to use them. Some of this material is on the current PLEIS web site, but it needs further development.
  • Selected Links to Saskatchewan Web Sites
    The Virtual Reference Working Group has recommended that a collection of links to Saskatchewan web sites would be a valuable resource for both the public and library staff. More information on the requirements of further developing this section is provided later in this report.
  • Multimedia Help Guides or FAQ's
    This content area has also been suggested through the Virtual Reference group. Both library staff and our patrons need instructional material on how to find different types of information. This content area would provide this type of assistance.
  • Internet-Based Reference Service
    This content area could be a link to the Internet-based Reference Service that the Virtual Reference group and several of our public library systems will be piloting in the fall of 1999.
  • Links to Library Related E-mail Discussion Lists
    E-mail discussion lists are a way for library staff to share expertise and stay up to date on developments in the field of library science. This content area would help staff to identify discussion lists relevant to their needs by identifying local lists and linking to Internet directories of worldwide discussion lists.
  • Interactive Discussion
    Interactive discussion areas could be provided for library staff to discuss issues of interest to them. They could also be provided to the public if we wanted to do this. This area would require utilizing a Bulletin Board system, Net Meeting, or some other "real time" discussion tool.
  • Information on the Role of Trustees
    Trustees are a very important part of the library community. This area would highlight their role.
  • Contact Lists for Trustees
    Contact information corresponding to trustees for each region, etc.
  • Other Trustee Information
    This section could include the Trustees' Manual, newsletter, and Annual General Meeting information.
  • Feedback option for site
    A feedback option provides an e-mail link to the webmaster so that users came submit feedback about the web site. It is a standard feature on web sites.
  • Saskatchewan Site of the Month
    This is a feature that could possibly "jazz up" the main page of the web site.
  • Reference Site of the Month
    Another feature that could "jazz up" the main page of the site or the introductory page to the Internet Resources collection.
  • Suggest a site
    This feature would enable the site's users to suggest sites that should be added to either the Internet Resources collection or to another area of the PLEIS site. Suggested sites for the Internet Collection would be submitted through a form (designed to mesh with the record structure of the Internet Resources database fields); other recommended sites could be submitted through either a simple e-mail link or another form.
  • Current News & Newspapers
    The Work Team proposes that the site include a special section of links to newspaper web sites worldwide. Links to online news could be a very useful feature for users of PLEIS both for information searchers and for librarians who want to keep informed of daily events.
  • Readers Advisory Feature
    As the web site expands over time, a readers advisory feature could be added as part of "Virtual Reference" services. It could include an aggregation of readers advisory material prepared by Saskatchewan libraries.
  • Writers-in-Residence feature
    A Writers-in-Residence feature would highlight the Writers-in-Residence programs and provide links to information on Saskatchewan library web sites. It could also provide a special "on-line" Writer-in-Residence.
  • Services for Special Groups
    This section could provide informational materials specially designed for users with special needs. It could provide links to material of this nature on external web sites and/or provide locally designed material. It could also provide information on services for people with special needs at local public libraries in Saskatchewan.
  • Children's / Youth area
    As the web site expands over time, this section could include aggregated links to web sites, databases, summer reading club, audio storytelling online.
  • Talking Books Online or Online Storytelling
    As the web site expands over time, a project could be started, in partnership with Saskatchewan public libraries, to create online talking books or storytelling.
  • Interactive Book Talks Online
    This type of section would provide an interactive online "chat" space for library staff and the public to discuss books. It is an idea that could be developed as the web site expands over time.
  • "Bestsellers" or List of "Top 10" book requests in Saskatchewan
    The work team came up with this idea as another way to make the web site more interesting to a public audience.

  • Real-time reference service
    This service is a future goal of the Virtual Reference Working Group.
  • Full text search engine
    The work team received a suggestion that PLEIS could develop a full text search engine that targets and searches Saskatchewan web sites only.
  • Links to Digital collections
    This area would include links to digital collections of books and other library material that are available on the Internet (e.g. Project Gutenberg).
  • Showcase
    This feature is proposed for the main page of the web site. It would showcase pictures of various libraries in Saskatchewan. The photos would be programmed to rotate so that the user sees a different library each time he/she logs into PLEIS.
  • Information About Other Information Providers
    I    n addition to providing information on Saskatchewan libraries, PLEIS could provide contact information for other information providers in Saskatchewan. This information could be put into the Library Directory or made into a separate section.
  • Genealogy
    PLEIS currently attracts many users looking for genealogy information. The PLEIS site should make a special effort to aggregate "places to look" for genealogy research and place it in a prominent place on the PLEIS web site.
  • Local Histories
    Local histories are a possible area for digital projects as the web site develops further.
  • Ready Reference
    A ready reference section could be expanded in the Virtual Reference section on PLEIS.
  • Site Search
    This feature would enable users to keyword search the PLEIS site. It is an important navigational feature.
  • Search the Internet
    Options should be made available for users who wish to search the Internet from the PLEIS site. This could be accomplished by making a page of links to web search engines.
  • Multicultural
    Feedback to the Work Team stressed that PLEIS content should be developed with a multicultural audience in mind. There are several ideas for developing the site for a multicultural audience: include information resources of interest to the various cultural communities in Saskatchewan, develop links to cultural specific Internet resources, and to develop content and services in other languages.
  • Links to the MACH and Provincial Library web site
    The site should include one or several links to the Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing web site and the Provincial Library web site. It should also include descriptions of the role of MACH and the Provincial Library in supporting and coordinating public library services in the province.
  • What's New
    This feature would highlight new material on the web site.
  • Library Biography Section
    Section highlighting library staff expertise in Saskatchewan or Saskatchewan library staff who have won awards. This section could also be an Who's Who of Saskatchewan Librarians.

    • Prioritizing Content Development

    Content is always one of the most challenging areas for any web site development project. Rarely do we have the time and energy and resources to put up everything we'd like so priorities must be set and choices must be made.

    The symbols used above broadly indicate the priority content areas. Detailed discussion of the key content areas that must be developed before a new web site is launched is provided in the section entitled, "High Priority Areas for Content Development".

    Organizing Site Content

    The Work Team developed various organizational schemes for the web site.

    It was a challenge to try to organize the amount of content that we anticipate the future site will house as well as the meet the needs of the target audiences. Considerable care was given to develop logical or "intuitive groupings" and clear unambiguous labeling.

    Each organizational scheme was mentally tested against the "typical" users that we identified – would they find an answer on our site? How hard would it be? How easy?

    After examining several structures, one organization scheme was selected and two sets of labels were developed that could be used in some preliminary usability tests.

    Organizational Scheme Overview

    The Work Team divided the content into five groupings, which represent how content will be organized on the site. Each of these categories should have an access point on the main PLEIS page through a labeled button.

    Content Grouping

    Label Option 1

    Label Option 2

    Library catalogues, databases, and other informational materials required by library staff and public audiences

    SEARCHERS EXPRESS

    SEARCH FOR INFORMATION

    Information about Saskatchewan’s library systems

    ABOUT OUR LIBRARIES

    ABOUT OUR LIBRARIES

    News and announcements in the library community

    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Services designed for a public audience

    VIRTUAL SERVICES

    SERVICES FOR YOU

    Resources and tools designed for the library community

    SERVICES FOR LIBRARIES

    SERVICES FOR LIBRARIES

    Site navigation aids

    SITE NAVIGATOR

    SITE HELP

    Searcher’s Express/Search for Information

    The Searcher’s Express/Search for Information button will lead to a page that offers all the information searching options available on PLEIS: library catalogues, databases, Saskatchewan resources, Internet resources and any other specialized databases.

    The Work Team decided to group this information under one button so that all informational materials and search options could be displayed to the users on one page -- thus, giving them the total view of what is available.

    When a user clicks on the Searcher’s Express page, he/she will see a number of different search options, each with an accompanying drop down box. Options may be:

    • Read or print a magazine article online – drop down list of online journal databases
    • Locate a book, video… -- drop down list of library catalogues
    • Read a newspaper – drop down list of newspapers on the Internet
    • Learn about Saskatchewan – drop down list of Saskatchewan resources
    • Search the web – drop down list of search engines
    • Check out other special databases – drop down list of other information sources databases
    • Hot topics – drop down list of hot topics such as Genealogy

    This page should be designed with a public audience in mind. Recognizing that many people outside of the library community do not know the differences between library catalogues, proprietary databases, and web resources, the Work Team decided to use language that is more understandable to a public audience; for example, find a book, read a magazine article, etc.

    This page will also meet the needs of the library community. It will provide a central page for searching a vast array of information.

    Please note that some of these search options will be made accessible through a "Quick Picks" menu on the main page.

    About Our Libraries

    The About Our Libraries button will lead to a page that provides an introduction and overview of libraries in Saskatchewan. It should be geared primarily toward a public audience.

    The goal of this page is to help users understand what libraries are in Saskatchewan and how they access library services. It will provide descriptions of all types of libraries -- public, academic, school, special, and government. This page should link to the Library Directory and an interactive map of Saskatchewan’s public library systems.

    News and Announcements

    The News and Announcements area of the web site will provide library news, facts, tips and statistics. Press releases posted to library web sites can be linked to. In addition articles about libraries can be linked to.

    A subset of recent postings to this area will be selected at random and posted on the main page of the site in the News and Announcements area. This section of the main screen will be dynamically generated pulling headlines and titles from a static file. New information as well as facts and figures will be included so that on a slow "news"month there will still be interesting content presented to the site’s viewers.

    The file or series of files will include a headline or title, body, post date and archive date and hotlink to more information. A perl script will create this section of the main page on the fly. The News and Announcements area of the site will contain current and past news generated from these files. On the News and Announcements page there will be a web form allowing anyone to suggest a news item or announcement for the site.

    Virtual Services / Services for You

    The Virtual Services button will lead to a page that contains an aggregation of interactive library services for the public. This will include a link to the library reference question and answer service, which will begin in the fall of 1999. This section is a place to install other interactive services in the future. Ideas for future services include public discussion/chat areas, readers’ advisory, and children’s services such as online audio storytelling.

    In developing this section, it will be important to maintain a focus on PLEIS’ role as an aggregator rather than a direct provider of services. PLEIS should cooperate with local and regional libraries to create interactive services that can be installed on regional library system web sites and then pointed to on the Virtual Services page of PLEIS.

    Services for Libraries

    This area will contain services and information that will be exclusively of interest to the Saskatchewan library community.

    A large amount of the material presently contained on the PLEIS web site will be included in this section. Pages for the Multitype Library Board and the library trustees will be added as well as any additional content designed for staff in the library community.

    Some material such as library association activities, library jobs, workshops may be more appropriately housed on the Saskatchewan Library Association site.

    Site Navigator/Help

    The Site Navigator/Help button would provide access to a number of specialized tools to assist users to find information within the PLEIS site and elsewhere on the web.

    These tools could include a table of contents, a search engine, a site map, help files or tutorials on how to use PLEIS, links to external tutorials for general web use etc.

    Tools needed would be standard web/html development tools and a site search engine.

    Screen Mock-Ups

    Mockup One and Mockup Two

    These graphics depict two screen mock-ups created by the work team. See Appendix C for larger versions.

    Screen mock-ups show other elements besides the menus/labels that were identified for the main page as well as some possible placements for the elements such as News and Announcements, Quick Picks and Library Showcase. The placement of the main logo for the site is intended to be at the top of the page and standard copyright notices would appear in the footer.

    Screen mock-ups are important because they enable the Work Team to visually depict how the re-designed site would be presented to users.

    Next steps in working with screen mock-ups:

    • Conduct usability testing in order to determine if the organization structure and labels make sense to users. Identify changes required.
    • Hire a designer to work with the selected mockup in order to create a design and colour scheme for the site. The designer should create a framework for the site so that Provincial Library staff can plug in content as they develop it.

    Environment & Convergence

    Next steps for proceeding with the re-design of PLEIS are intertwined with several other projects and developments pending in the library community. It is worth noting these areas of convergence, so that later discussions of technical requirements, tools, and next steps can be interpreted in a useful context.

    Convergence with Gateway Project

    The public library community is currently looking for a suitable Gateway product. Outcomes of the Gateway Project will have several implications for the re-design of PLEIS.

    The tools obtained through a Gateway product may also be useful for building the PLEIS web site. For example, OCLC Site Search contains a database builder module; this module could be used to build the PLEIS web site databases. In addition, developing a means for remote patron authentication – which is part of the Gateway Project – would be enable greater flexibility in designing content and services on the PLEIS site.

    Virtual Reference Project

    As the Virtual Reference Project proceeds, it will continue to generate new content ideas for the PLEIS web site. For example, this project has already highlighted the need to develop a collection of Internet resources and undertake digitization projects. The Work Team has proposed an expandable design for the PLEIS site so that site will scale over time and accommodate more virtual reference services.

    Movement Towards "Branding" in the Internet Enviroment & Libraries

    What is "Branding"? Using the library community as an example, branding would allow a local public library in Saskatchewan to customize the content and screen displays of the PLEIS web site to suit its local needs and to "brand" the site with its library system’s logo.

    Why would we want a branding option for PLEIS? In the development of the overall site strategy, we discussed some general approaches to the site. PLEIS is site that aggregates content from many disparate sources. The PLEIS web site is intended to strengthen local libraries and the recognition of the their role in providing information to the public.

    Given this goal, the Work Team discussed the possibility of providing some sort of site "branding" or customization to recognize the local library or library system. For example, it is technically possible to change the web page on the fly based on where the patron is coming from. A user from Estevan Public Library might visit the new PLEIS site and have additional line or area on the screen that would say Estevan Public Library. This line could be a hot link to the local library’s site or not.

    This branding or identification could also allow us to scope the link to Reference questions or to links area. Our ability to implement this with the present PLEIS site is fairly primitive at present. We could do based on originating "IP" and this would only customize the screen for users on a library computer. Ideally we would like to customize the screen for at home users.

    To scope the screen and services for at home users, we would need some sort of login mechanism (library id or postal code) in order to identify their local library. The Reference pilot project is considering using just this type of mechanism. Many gateway products under consideration for the province have a login option for access to the full services of the gateway.

    Branding or customization may be possible or feasible depending on the strengths of the gateway product. Some libraries have gone far beyond "customization" and developed end user personalization tools. Users create a "My Library" suite of tools where they pick and choose and craft their own library site based on the services and interests they have.

    This service is being deployed at a number of academic libraries and came out of a movement to personalization university sites and create a "my university". Customization and personalization are very strong trends on the web and their applications to libraries should be considered.

    Work Team suggests that the degree of interest in "branding" or customization be determined. If there is sufficient interest, this area could be investigated further.

    High Priority Areas for Content Development

    Before the re-designed PLEIS site is launched, several high priority content areas should be in place:

    • Conversion of Content Currently on PLEIS
    • Content required for the Main Page of PLEIS
    • Interactive Map of Saskatchewan Library System
    • Saskatchewan Libraries Directory
    • Collection of Internet Resources

    These areas were examined more closely and specific technical requirements were addressed for each area.

    Conversion of Content Currently on PLEIS

    The conversion of content currently on PLEIS is a straightforward task. A plan for the conversion of content should be created. This plan should include a review of materials currently on the site to evaluate if they need to be re-formatted in any way. For example, some of the interactive forms may require some editing. Also, alternate document formats such as Adobe Acrobat should be considered.

    Content Required for the Main Page

    The main page (see screen mock-ups) should be evaluated to determine which main page items are feasible to develop and install prior to the launch of the re-designed web site.

    Content items for the main page include:

    • Development of a perl script to rotate news "tidbits" or "factoids"
    • Development of an archive of news "tidbits" or "factoids"
    • Scanned photographs of libraries in Saskatchewan and a script to rotate them in the spotlight section.
    • Written material will be required to "introduce" the content behind the primary buttons.
    • Review and editing of material grouped behind primary buttons will be required.

    Interactive Map of Saskatchewan Library System

    The Interactive Map would connect to the MapGuide server at Saskatchewan Geomatics and display an interactive map of the Saskatchewan Library System.

    Users would be able to select various layers to display views such as regional library boundaries, libraries with Internet access, branches within systems, etc. Users could also zoom in to different levels to see greater detail, down to street address for branches. The map would be connected to the Libraries Directory to display data for each library.

    Tools required to develop this application would be a copy of Autodesk MapGuide Author.

    Saskatchewan Libraries Directory

    The Saskatchewan Libraries Directory should be developed as a searchable online database. The directory is a core tool for staff and the public for identifying libraries, locations and collections in Saskatchewan.

    The content and functional requirements of the directory should be specified before the data collection and programming starts. The content of the online directory can certainly be based upon the print directory, but additional fields such as email address, reference email address, web site address, geo-spatial reference point to interface with mapping, regional or other library system name are all candidates for inclusion.

    The proposed "content" of the database has to be weighed against the requirements to update and maintain it. A plan for how to maintain the database should also be developed at the same time. Will maintenance be centralized or will it be distributed for remote updating by the contacts from the various libraries? Given the size and scope of the database, it will be probably be more efficient to handle updating centrally but have an ability to automatically email out directory entries to contact persons once a year for review and revision.

    Tools for the database are platform dependent and at this time the new PLEIS web site platform has not yet been determined. The web site will likely reside on the same server as the new gateway that is a core component of the web site. At minimum, a relational database application is required. This relational database could be SQL server on NT or MySQL on Linux. Access and other relational databases are also candidates but considerations should be given to present and future anticipated load. There is range of web to database development tools including ColdFusion, Perl DBI, PHP, InterDev, etc. Direct programming is Visual Basic or Perl may also be appropriate.

    Collection of Internet Resources

    For many years, the Provincial Library has been a leader in cataloguing information resources for Saskatchewan public libraries. Libraries are now faced with a new type of information resource – the web – that is both challenging and revolutionizing the traditional resource organization methods of libraries.

    The Provincial Library has taken initial steps to managing web resources.

    The Virtual Reference team has begun developing a small collection of links (or "pointers") to web sites. Currently, the collection points to 474 web sites and is organized under the following broad subject headings:

    • Agriculture
    • Arts
    • Business and Economics
    • Education
    • Government and Politics
    • Heritage and Society
    • Internet Guides and Community Networking
    • Legal Resources
    • News Media
    • Reference Resources
    • Saskatchewan Communities
    • Searching the Internet

    The team has focused on Saskatchewan resources with the long-term goal of achieving a comprehensive collection of Saskatchewan resources on the web. However, the team has also identified key sites on the web where searchers will have a good starting point for finding information that is Canadian and International in scope.

    Feedback on the collection has, so far, been positive.

    It is noteworthy that most of the public library systems in Saskatchewan have also started their own Internet resource collections, utilizing a similar approach.

    Recommendations Collection of Internet Resources

    The Work Team assessed several options for addressing the technical developments required for the Internet Resources Collection. A review of all the options considered with the advantages and disadvantages of each is available in Appendix D. An overview of issues and recommendations is provided below:

    Manual creation of HTML pages is no longer a feasible or sustainable choice. The breadth and depth of Internet links on the PLEIS site requires an automated tool to help enhance access and to assist with maintenance. Given that the demand for links to web sites exist and that electronic content is volatile, full cataloguing of Internet resources is not recommended at this time, but developments should be monitored.

    A standard for brief record syntax should be adopted to facilitate the recording of useful links by reference and/or cataloguing staff. The Dublin Core syntax is recommended for links.

    Requirements: Database, Dublin Core Syntax

    A key aspect of the links collection is to try to facilitate their development by as many participants as possible. While participation is optional, the ability to access and share in a comprehensive collection will benefit many libraries. It is critical that the software that is selected allows for multiple creators and fosters the maintenance and update by multiple creators.

    Requirement: Mechanism for Multiple Contributors

    One way that a links project could equally support province-wide and local library access is by allowing some sort of geographic scoping for the links database. This would allow libraries to generate their own customized links collections based on either "contributing library," a page of local community links, or a set of links based on a geographic sub-heading related to a particular locale. The latter is probably more useful than the former.

    Desirable Requirement: Geographic Categorization in the Database Records

    Ideally the database that houses the links could be a Z39.50 target to fit with the overall agenda of the province for "one place to look". A commercial database product is OCLC Database Builder. A free software package is CNIDR Isite, an integrated Internet publishing software package including a text indexer, a search engine and Z39.50 communication tools to access databases. Isite includes the CNIDR ZDist, Isearch and Search API distributions. Alternately, a separate, simplified database that meets the Dublin Core standard could be set up in Dynix or other integrated library system. Cost and flexibility would certainly be a factor. If an extra database requires a license this could be prohibitive.

    Highly Desirable Requirement: Z39.50 target

    One disadvantage of the Z39.50 approach to links is that many of the free "yahoo" directory tools have built in support for automated link checking and lots of other neat features – most popular links, etc. While free directory tools usually have great link checking utilities built in, most other databases do not have this feature. However, there is a relatively easy way to work around this problem. The database could be automatically exported and a perl script could verify the links one by one in the flat file output on a weekly or monthly basis creating a report for the editor. If the "cataloguer’s ID" is recorded in the record, the notification to check the link could be emailed directly. This is a relatively simple script and could be adapted from one of many free link checkers on the web.

    Web directory tools that support search and browse are plentiful and usually there are several low cost options. However, more often then not, they do not support the range of fields identified in Dublin Core. Web directory tools that produce a "yahoo" style interface are full of useful features that help automate maintenance. Their simplicity and their features make them an appealing choice but they are not a good long term vehicle.

    Requirement: Automated link checking either built in to the product or easy to implement in a semi-automated fashion

    General HTML Authoring Requirements for the Site

    Accessibility

    The audience for the PLEIS site is diverse and multi-faceted. Libraries have a strong commitment to universal accessibility to information and resources. The design and construction of the web site will keep in mind accessibility guidelines and try to ensure the site is comprehensible in text based browsers such as lynx for visually impaired users. This construction will also ensure broad cross-browser computability for the new web site. Given that a number of PLEIS users are on a slow dialup connections, it is imperative that the site be bandwidth friendly.

    Web Site Authoring Tools Proposal and Action Plan

    For the re-design of the PLEIS web site the following tools would be required in the development and maintenance of the web site.

    HTML editor software and Graphic design software 

    At the present time the HTML editors used at Provincial Library are HTML Writer, which is very limited in what it can do and Netscape Composer, which is capable of more function but is also limited. The graphics software is Lview and the graphics functions that are included with Microsoft Office.

    The Work Team proposes that Provincial Library explore four HTML editor software packages, Microsoft FrontPage 2000, Adobe Web Collection, Macromedia Dreamweaver and Allaire HomeSite.

    The above products either have a graphic editor included or as a companion product.

    From on research, the Work Team found that these editors have very similar functions and features, so it proposes to test all four packages. All of the products are available for trial testing.

    Evaluation criteria for testing these products will be prepared by Karen. This criteria will be reviewed and a form/checklist will be developed for the trial. Timelines for testing have not yet been established. A report will be prepared on the findings, outlining the core set of tools that will be required with recommendations on which product would best suit our present and future needs. Also, included will be system requirement for each product and the implications on our present systems.

    Recommended HTML Editors and Graphic Editors to be Evaluated:

    Microsoft FrontPage 2000
    http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/2000/fp2kPg1.htm
    PhotoDraw 2000 is the graphics editor that would compliment their editor.
    Download tryout:
    http://www.microsoft.com/office/trial/default.htm

    Macromedia Dreamweaver
    http://www.macromedia.com/software/dreamweaver/productinfo/
    Fireworks is the graphics editor that would compliment their editor.
    Download tryout:
    http://www.macromedia.com/software/downloads/

    Adobe Web Collection includes the following:
    Adobe GoLive
    Adobe Illustrator
    Adobe Photoshop
    http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/webcoll/main.html
    Download tryout:
    http://www.adobe.com/newsfeatures/tryadobe/main.html

    Allaire HomeSite
    Visit their web site for more information
    http://www1.allaire.com/products/HOMESITE/overview.cfm
    Download tryout:
    http://www1.allaire.com/products/homesite/40/hstour/index.cfm?web_ID=132

    Additional Technical Requirements and Tools

    Web Site Item      Tools

    Interactive Map

    • Autodesk MapGuide Author
    • Access to MapGuide server at Saskatchewan Geomatics

    Libraries Directory

    • Relational Database Options: SQL server on NT, MySQL on Linux, Microsoft Access.
    • Web to Database Development Tool Options: Cold Fusion, Perl DBI, PHP, InterDev.
    • Direct Programming in Visual Basic or Perl.

    Internet Resources Collection

    • Database Options: OCLC Database Builder, CNIDR Isite (free), Dynix
    • Fields that support Dublin Core Syntax
    • Record structures that allow for multiple record creators and updaters.
    • Record structure with ability to scope geographically
    • Z39.50 target
    • Automated link checking

    Additional

    • Bulletin Board software for interactive discussion areas on the site (with web archives).

    Training and Staffing Requirements

    The Work Team expects that some web development work will be contracted out and some will be conducted in-house. Provincial Library staff will likely require some training for the in-house development work.

    At minimum, staff will require training on the HTML and graphics editors that are selected. In addition, if customized scripting is required, staff will need some training.

    In general, all in-house content development tasks will need to be assessed to determine if training is required, how much, and who.

    Staffing requirements for ongoing maintenance of the revised web site should also be evaluated. Routine web site maintenance should be the responsibility of the webmaster.

    Other content areas, such as the Collection of Internet Resources and the Library Directory will require continuing development work.

    The Collection of Internet Resources, much like any library collection, requires consistent evaluation of new resources, acquisition, description and record creation. It will also require regular "weeding" of outdated Internet addresses.

    Site Performance Measurements and Evaluation

    The re-designed PLEIS site will be set up to specifically address some deficiencies in the existing site as well as to meet certain goals. It will be crucial to measure and evaluate the new site’s successfulness in meeting these objectives. Given that the PLEIS site has two primary audiences – the public and the library community – the effectiveness and use of the site should be monitored for each audience.

    The following measurements can be used to evaluate the site’s performance:

    Page Views Statistics

    Statistics should be kept that track the frequency with which pages on the site are accessed. Target a six fold increase in public usage by the end of the first year and some increase in usage by the library community (given that the library community already uses the site heavily). Online and offline site promotion is a key to increasing usage, not just how usable the site is. However, if the site is hard to use, repeat traffic will be minimal. This measure is an indication of the site’s quality but not a hard and fast predictor.

    Referring Links

    If the site is useful and attractive, then there should be an increase in the number of referring links made to the PLEIS main page and PLEIS subpages from other library pages in the province as well as other non-library sites. This measurement is a form of peer review and demonstrates if other web authors see the PLEIS site as useful and valuable.

    Internet Search Results

    Periodic web searching using keyword pairs such as "saskatchewan & libraries" should be conducted to ensure that the PLEIS site is placed prominently in Internet search engine results. PLEIS web site usage reports will show traffic from search engine "spiders" and these statistics should also be monitored.

    Feedback via E-mail Link on the PLEIS web site

    More e-mail feedback and inquiries should be expected if usage of PLEIS increases. Casual observations commenting positively or negatively about the site submitted via e-mail will be an indicator of the site’s success.

    In addition, the new design for PLEIS is intended to more effectively direct users to the information they need and, therefore, to reduce the number of inappropriate inquiries. Inquiries should be evaluated to show if users are easily navigating the PLEIS site and finding the information they need.

    Survey User’s Experience

    The new PLEIS site is designed to be very easy to use and to act as "one place to look." In order to gather a better understanding of the user’s experience, an online survey could be conducted soliciting user’s feedback on specific points.

    Next Steps

    The Work Team recommends that an Implementation Process be initiated based on therecommendations provided in this report.

    The Implementation Process should include the following activities:

    1. Test mockups
    2. Solicit feedback/direction on site name
    3. Hire designer
    4. Choose HTML tools
    5. Train staff
    6. Build site
      1. develop templates and style guide
      2. conversion of old content
      3. develop "easy" new content --factoids, showcase, sub-pages that list items
        GO LIVE
      4. Major New Content Initiatives -- Phase approach. Tackle these as they fit into the other hardware and software purchases: Library Directory, Internet Resources Collection and Interactive Map.

    APPENDICES

    Appendix A -- Audience Assessment 

    Audience Scenarios

    The Work Team created several "Audience Scenarios" in order to flesh out its understanding of the needs of the various users of the PLEIS web site.

    This process involved identifying several types of users seeking information on PLEIS and then visualizing the users' experiences while trying to navigate the PLEIS web site.

    While the scenarios are not exhaustive, they helped the work team to better appreciate the needs of users.

    Scenario #1

    One group of users that PLEIS site will serve will be people around the world looking to find out more about Saskatchewan.
    In this scenario, I try to show what might happen to someone in New Zealand on the quest for a little bit of their family history.
    George is a retired teacher and has decided to do his family tree. He's working at home on his computer on the Internet and decides to try to find out about more of his cousins etc. from Craik, SK. George grew up in Saskatchewan but it was a long time ago.
    George goes to AltaVista and searches for "Saskatchewan + Provincial +Government" hoping to turn up a provincial government records of deaths, births etc. The first 4 results on AltaVista look dismal (budget reports, etc) but then the next 6 on the first page all say "PLEIS and Libraries" and description of the page.
    George thinks -- libraries should have something on this and he goes directly the page called "PLEIS - Saskatchewan Resources by Topic". He arrives at the PLEIS site on this sub-page. The Page has a list of links but also a search box and George (feeling hopeful, of course) types in - Craik. A page is returned showing the search results with a link to the Craik Library Home Page, Craik Oral History Society link and a link to the full text Local History. On this web page is also links for SUNCAT, Ask a Question. George is pleased with the results and starts exploring.

    Interesting Facts -- doing that search in AltaVista does produce the results described -Craik Oral History page is up and linked off the Craik Community Site, linked off Saskatchewan Community on the Web, linked off on the Virtual Reference Pages now.

    Scenario #2 Here is another possible scenario of how a public user could utilize the site:

    Susan is a long time library user in Saskatchewan. She is very comfortable with computers and library catalogs.
    One day, Susan is at Estevan Public Library looking for information about building a sod house for an upcoming pioneer day's exhibition. She searches the local Estevan library catalog hoping to find a book on the subject but she does not find anything. It occurs to Susan that she could search the Internet for some material.
    On the Estevan Public Library web page she sees a button that says, "Internet Resources." When Susan clicks on this link, a page is displayed with the PLEIS banner on top and the main PLEIS toolbar, and the Estevan Public Library banner below. On the page are two categories of links: local links prepared by Estevan Public, Saskatchewan links prepared by PLEIS, and express links to search engines. She browses the topics under the Saskatchewan links and finds a section for homesteading in which she finds a link to a web site on sod house construction. She is quite pleased with this information.

    Scenario #3 Here is a possible scenario of how a library worker in a regional library headquarters could utilize the site:

    Harry works at the regional library headquarters. Every day Harry searches library catalogues from all around Saskatchewan as he works on reference questions and inter-library loan requests from the region's branch libraries. One day he sees a request for a local history of Prairie Lily, Sask. Harry goes straight to SUNCAT and searches for the item. He discovers that two libraries own the local history of Prairie Lily. Harry knows that not all libraries will loan their local history books, so he decides to check the inter-library loans exclusions list for this material. He goes to PLEIS and quickly finds the exclusion list and determines that one library will not loan the item but the other library will. It has made his work easier and faster by checking the exclusion list online.

    Scenario #4 Here is a scenario that is quite likely at this stage in our networking and training development:

    Sally works in a small local branch library and has been a long time staff member there. The branch library received its first computer with Internet access six months ago. Sally has had some introductory computer and Internet training. She believes that the computer will give her access to a lot more information resources than she already has, but she is still a novice at searching for information online and does not always know where to start.

    One day a patron comes into the library and asks Sally to find information on Alzheimer's disease and the latest treatments. Sally knows that she does not have a current book on this topic. Her patron suggests that maybe Sally could find an Internet site about it.

    First, Sally decides to search InfoTrac (she is more familiar with this new resource and she knows it has excellent up-to-date health information). The patron is happy with the InfoTrac articles, but she still wants to find out what is available on the Internet.

    Sally needs a starting point for her web search. She could try a search engine, but she is not very confident in the results she has been getting from some of the search engines. She decides to turn to the PLEIS site to find some recommended medical web sites. She goes to the main page of PLEIS that her library has bookmarked and clicks on the link "Web Sites by Topic." In the health subheading she finds a link to the provincial Alzheimer's Association and links to the major health search engines and sites.

    On this page she also finds a reminder to check InfoTrac for health information and the union catalogue. She also finds a link for "Internet Search Help"; she clicks on "Internet Search Help" and discovers a tutorial on the best ways to search the web. Through PLEIS, Sally is able to refer the patron to several quality web sites. In addition, she has discovered a resource that aids her in her web searching.

    Review of PLEIS Frequently Asked Questions

    Reviewing past and present questions that have been submitted to the PLEIS web site also helped the Work Team to identify audience groups.

    These questions demonstrated that many public users log into the site trying to find information. In a majority of the cases, public users are looking for genealogy information.

    Feedback on Audience & Scenarios

    The work team submitted all audience scenarios to the web bulletin board for feedback by the Virtual Reference Working Group and Provincial Library Staff.

    Feedback submitted to the web bulletin board is documented below:

    Web bulletin board comment:

    "The library staff as users are well identified in Melissa's post.

    Other primary groups are: K-12 students - assistance with locating resources for school assignments, all subjects - with care to link directly to where the info is located, rather than to ref. sites that point the way (they don't know how to search and are too impatient to learn).

    Agricultural community - The site should aim for excellence in everything agricultural - science, marketing, prices, commodities, manufacturers, suppliers; links to competitive information sources where ever grain, hogs, cattle, etc. are grown, for example, US, Australia, CIS, South America, EEC. Agricultural news, research, grain transportation.

    Business: Directories, sources of products, financial information such as financial markets. Links to educational info, courses. This is broader and more diffuse than agriculture since it takes in all kinds of endeavour, but it is the small businessman/woman who likely will come to the site.

    Readers Advisory. The masses of fiction readers should be able to look up reviews, bestseller lists, what Oprah is touting, criticism sources, who writes like whom. [Albee (link supplied) attempts to be comprehensive]."

    Additional Feedback:

    Be mindful that we have a multicultural community to serve and other niche groups such as agriculture and business.

    Appendix B - Competitive Analysis

    The Work Team conducted a Competitive Analysis in order to explore how Internet sites similar to PLEIS serve their user communities.

    Following are descriptions of the criteria the Work Team used to evaluate these web sites and a summary table of how the web sites "rated."

    Criteria #1: Overall Design/Attractiveness

    Trying to measure a site's attractiveness can only result in a gross generalization of the site, as so many factors need to be considered when trying to measure the visual effect of the site. Still it is this initial view that will often determine a user's reaction and interaction with the site. It is by its very nature a highly subjective area. Even amongst Work Team members our response to various sites varied considerably. Some indication of attractiveness is useful. 1 was used for a complete failure on the attractiveness and 10 for a high quality, pleasing site.

    Criteria #2: Site Download Speeds

    Most of these sites were pretty lean and fast to download for a 28.8 modem.

    Criteria #3: Main Page - Sponsors/Browser Compatibility

    Many of the sites discreetly acknowledged a sponsor. The link was usually at the bottom of the page. None of the sites boasted a glaring banner or dominant logo of sponsor.

    Browser compatibility was mixed with some sites employing high end features available only in newest browsers.

    Criteria #4: Site Navigation

    Web sites try to organize and present information in a way that will help users to gain a clear picture of the focus of the site and options for moving through a hypertext space. The virtual world lacks the same signposts and identifiers as the real world, allowing web surfers to lose their place or context. Providing a "mental model" for the site and some sort of navigational framework can help to orient the user and make information easy to locate.

    Site navigation focuses on those elements that appear on menu bars on pages within a site. These guides allow us to move about the site. A primary navigation menu will appear on every page and usually be the dominant menu choice. Often there will be a secondary navigation menu providing choices and options within a section of the site. The navigational elements may be clickable text or buttons down the left side of the page or graphic across the top.

    The diversity of the navigational elements and their placements is very evident by glancing at the summary table. Many items appear on the primary menus that will appear in other sites two and even three levels down or not all. There is very little consistency. A couple of navigational elements common to most sites are Library Catalogs and Access to Commercial Databases. Some sort of link to Internet resources is common. Some sites like OhioLink are 100% consistent in their navigational elements, creating a very comfortable feeling while using the site - you always know how to get back to the home page and to other areas. Other sites like Pioneer have wildly different secondary navigational elements varying from page to page and area to area. This is evident throughout the site but especially disconcerting in the Internet resources area, where each page seems to have a different layout and contents and labels for its secondary navigation.

    Criteria #5: Site Organization

    Site Organization refers to the type of grouping or clustering for the content on a web site. This organization relies or builds on a mental model that we already have. Web publishers either consciously or unconsciously choose some type of organization for the site.

    The following types are examples of various site organizational models:

    • Audience -- Navigation according to some user "type;" e.g. language, Industry Canada
    • Topical -- Navigation via some list of topics; e.g. Amazon.com
    • Task -- Lists tasks that the user wants to perform; e.g. Site Inspector
    • Organizational -- Web site mirrors the structure of the institution represented; e.g. University of Saskatchewan
    • Portal - An attempt to offer the entire site at a glance; e.g. Calgary Herald
    • Alphabetical -- Navigation by some alphabetical scheme; e.g. Argus Clearinghouse
    • Geographical - Web Site offers users choose a geographic area; e.g. Golf Canada
    • Hybrid -- Some combination of the above categories; e.g. portal/alphabetical (Yahoo) or audience/task

    Each site from the peer analysis has been categorized as much as possible into one of the above groupings. Most sites are hybrid and some seem to be a "kitchen sink" of ideas and concepts jumbled together any which way. You must read each and every item on the main page to figure out what the scope of the site is. There is a lot of diversity in this area even with sites that have taken the same approach.

    The broad range of materials to be covered and presented to an audience with diverse skill sets can make site organization a significant challenge. A quick perusal of sites and their menus usually points out the ones that are very easy to grasp by just skimming versus those sites where each and every label must be examined before any sense can be made from the site.

    The site organization for most peer sites was usually not easy to skim and use with a few exceptions.

    Criteria #6: Collaboration/Aggregation/Branding

    Given that most of these sites represented consortium of libraries, it was deemed worthwhile to look at how they linked to and included their member libraries. Was the site modified on the fly to present some sort of branding from a member library or additional local links added. This did not seem to be case. Loose collaboration and redirection efforts were definitely evident to greater and lesser degrees advising users to visit their local branch for services, for example. All of the sites had some listing or directory of libraries. In some site aggregation or collective effort of a number of library staff was facilitated to build the links area of the site. In other cases, the collaboration was very loose - simply pointing users to collections of links created by participating libraries.

    Criteria #7: Site Navigation Aids

    Many sites offer additional tools besides primary and secondary menus to help users locate information. A site map that provides a graphic representation of the site layout is common. A full text search is another tool where you can enter a keyword and search all the pages in a site. Usability studies have shown as many as 60% of web visitors are search dominant, preferring to enter a keyword rather than browse and read labels. An index is another feature often used to try to provide enhanced access.

    Browsing by topics seemed to be a favoured choice to moving around the site. Some sites had a full text search but many did not. Site maps and indexes were fairly uncommon.

    Criteria #8: Interactivity, Personalization and Special Features

    Interactivity was minimal with a few sites offering some services for staff like bulletin boards or mailing lists. Few offered online reference services. None of the sites offered much interactivity or dynamic content such as online bulletin boards for the public, book discussion groups, online author readings, rotating "web site of the day" or even randomized searching tips. Some of the sites recently added a promotional banner to highlight some aspect of the site. SAILOR's site has this feature.

    Personalization was simply unheard of in the sites that were examined. The concept of creating a "my library" does seem to have permeated library consortium sites. Personalization tools and features are commonly offered by many other large information providers on the web.

    Most sites employed few special effects or highly customized features. It is worth noting that in Maryland you can get driving directions to any library branch in the state.
    Peer Analysis Work Sheet

    Appendix C - Screen Mock-Ups

    Screen Mock-Up #1

    This mock-up was created out of several prior mock-ups. It uses Label Scheme B and runs the "Quick Picks" (Catalogues, Databases, etc.) horizontally along top of the page below the banner. The Work Team recommends that this mock-up be used in the usability testing.

    The "Spotlight" area would be used to showcase pictures of libraries around the province. The pictures would be programmed to alternate so that each time a user logs into the site they see a new picture.The "Featured Web Site" section would be used to feature Saskatchewan web sites, ready reference web sites that are useful for librarians, or any other web site that would be of some use or significance to the library community.

    The "News Headlines" at the top of the page can provide news; as well, facts and figures will be included so that on a slow "news" month there will still be interesting content presented to the site's viewers.

    PLEIS Banner

    || Catalogues || Databases || Genealogy || Sask. Sources || Site Search ||

    Search for Information

    About our Libraries

    News & Announcements

    Services for You

    Services for Libraries

    Site Help

    • OTTAWA, July 5, 1999 - - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today the appointments of Ian Wilson to the position of National Archivist of Canada and Roch Carrier as National Librarian of Canada. 
    • REGINA, June 7, 1999 - -  Province-wide license agreement provides database access to all Saskatchewan library patrons.
    • (more news...)

    Spotlight on:


     the Kindersley Library

    Featured Website:


    ComMuniLink: 
    Saskatchewan's Municipal Information Network
    || Home|| Feedback || About Us || Provincial Library ||
    This site is maintained by the Saskatchewan Provincial Library 
    ©1999 Saskatchewan Provincial Library

    Screen Mock-Up #2

    This mock-up was created as an alternative to mock-up #1.

    It uses Label Scheme A and places the "Quick Picks" in a drop down box at the top right of the page. Other elements are the same as mock-up #1. The Work Team recommends that this mock-up be used with mock-up #1 in usability testing.

    PLEIS Banner

    Searcher's Express

    About our Libraries

    News & Announcements

    Virtual Services

    Services for Libraries

    Site  Navigator

    • OTTAWA, July 5, 1999 - - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today the appointments of Ian Wilson to the position of National Archivist of Canada and Roch Carrier as National Librarian of Canada. 
    • REGINA, June 7, 1999 - -  Province-wide license agreement provides database access to all Saskatchewan library patrons.
    • (more news...)

    Spotlight on:


     the Kindersley Library

    Featured Website:


    ComMuniLink:  Saskatchewan's Municipal Information Network
    || Home|| Feedback || About Us || Provincial Library ||
    This site is maintained by the Saskatchewan Provincial Library 
    ©1999 Saskatchewan Provincial Library

    Additional Screen Mock-Ups

    The remaining mockups show some of the earlier mock-ups created by the Work Team.

    They should not be used for usability testing; however, they are displayed here to demonstrate a few different alternatives for page layout.

    PLEIS Banner

    Quick Picks:

    • Catalogues
    • Databases
    • Genealogy Resources
    • Saskatchewan Sources
    • Site Search

    Spotlight on:

    the Kindersley Library
    Searcher's Express

    About our Libraries

    News & Announcements

    Virtual Services

    Services for Libraries

    Site Navigator

    Featured Website:

    ComMuniLink
    Saskatchewan's Municipal Information Network

    Headlines:

    • OTTAWA, July 5, 1999 - - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today the appointments of Ian Wilson to the position of National Archivist of Canada and Roch Carrier as National Librarian of Canada. 
    • REGINA, June 7, 1999 - -  Province-wide license agreement provides database access to all Saskatchewan library patrons.
      (more news...)
    Home || Feedback || About Us || Provincial Library
    This site is maintained by the Saskatchewan Provincial Library 
    ©1999 Saskatchewan Provincial Library

    PLEIS Banner

    Headlines:

    • OTTAWA, July 5, 1999 - - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today the appointments of Ian Wilson to the position of National Archivist of Canada and Roch Carrier as National Librarian of Canada. 
    • REGINA, June 7, 1999 - -  Province-wide license agreement provides database access to all Saskatchewan library patrons.
    • (more news...)
    Searcher's Express

    About our Libraries

    News & Announcements

    Virtual Services

    Services for Libraries

    Site Navigator

    Quick Picks:

    • Catalogues
    • Databases
    • Genealogy Resources
    • Saskatchewan Sources
      Site Search

    Spotlight on the Kindersley Library:
    Home || Feedback || About Us || Provincial Library
    This site is maintained by the Saskatchewan Provincial Library 
    ©1999 Saskatchewan Provincial Library

    PLEIS Banner

    Search for Information

    About our Libraries

    News & Announcements

    Services for You

    Services for Libraries

    Site Help

     

    Headlines:

    • OTTAWA, July 5, 1999 - - Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps announced today the appointments of Ian Wilson to the position of National Archivist of Canada and Roch Carrier as National Librarian of Canada. 
    • REGINA, June 7, 1999 - -  Province-wide license agreement provides database access to all Saskatchewan library patrons.
    • (more news...)

    Spotlight on the Kindersley Library

    Quick Picks

    • Catalogues
    • Databases
    • Genealogy Resources
    • Saskatchewan Sources
    • Site Search
    Home|| Feedback || About Us || Provincial Library
    This site is maintained by the Saskatchewan Provincial Library 
    ©1999 Saskatchewan Provincial Library

    Appendix D - Summary of Options for Developing Internet Resources Collection

    There is no consensus in the library community on the best method for organizing Internet resource collections. This area of library development is in considerable flux.

    Consequently, we have available a series of options each with advantages and disadvantages. It would be wise to recognize that all options will likely require reconfiguration or upgrading in the next five years.

    Option One: CORC

    CORC is a "Cooperative Online Resource Catalog" project operated by OCLC. The goal of the project is to develop a database of records that point to Internet sites. OCLC has invited libraries to participate in the cooperative creation of this database by contributing records. Libraries that participate have access to the entire database of Internet resources.

    Resource Requirements

    • Web Browser that supports forms.
    • ½ FTE minimum staff requirement (can be reference or cataloguing staff) to create records using Dublin Core metadata standard.

    Advantages

    • Allows us to draw on and benefit from the expertise and leadership of OCLC.
    • OCLC maintains the database and technical infrastructure for the system.
    • Offers link maintenance, portal page import/export, MARC import/export, and authority control.
    • Allows us access to a larger database of resources than we could create on our own.
    • We choose the subject focus of our contribution.
    • Utilizes the Dublin Core record structure, which is easier to apply than cataloguing. Reference staff can carry out work.
    • Supports application of LCSH.

    Disadvantages

    • Loss of local control over user display and record structures.
    • OCLC user interface does not offer browsing by subject.
    • Little control over future directions and viability of the system.
    • Risky - would be one of the first libraries in Canada to participate.

    Option Two: Local Database System

    Another option is to create our own database of Internet resources.

    Requirements

    • Acquisition and configuration of a web accessible database system.
    • Search engine.
    • Definition of a record structure (could adopt a standard record structure such as Dublin Core).
    • Automated link checker tool.
    • Dedicated reference staff (more local definition of the amount of staff hours, depending on how high a priority the activity is given). ½ FTE desirable.
    • Unless the database is developed in a tool that supports Z39.50 it is unlikely that links will be searched in the same search as other resources

    Advantages

    • Complete local ownership of records.
    • Local control over design of record structures (use the Dublin Core standard and tailor it; e.g. using one of the description fields for an annotation).
    • Local control over design of user interface.
    • Local control over use of classification methods.
    • Automated link checking
    • Local control enables design of a form for regional library staff to contribute records (we set standards).

    Disadvantages

    • Requires considerable in-house database development -- $ and time.
    • Requires in-house maintenance.

    Option Three: Cataloguing Internet Resources in the OPAC

    Many libraries are managing Internet resources by integrating them into the workflow of the cataloguing department.

    Requirements

    • Web accessible OPAC for optimal functionality (functioning hyperlinks)
    • Dedicated cataloguing staff (more local definition of the amount of staff hours, depending on how high a priority the activity is given). ½ FTE desirable.

    Advantages

    • Integrates Internet resources with other types of library information resources. Patrons search all resources through a single database interface.
    • Records may be entered into the existing OPAC database; new database not required.

    Disadvantages

    • Automated link checking not available unless a PURL server option is implemented.
    • Requires sophisticated cataloguing of Internet sites. This will require cataloguing staff and limits our ability to receive contributions from reference staff in the library regions.
    • There would be less local control over record structure. MARC records are not entirely suited for Internet resources.
    PLEIS Web Site Re-Design: Framework and Recommendations
    Links
    Attachments
    PLEIS Web Site Re-Design: Framework and Recommendations pdf
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