Publications

The ALIA One Person Australian Librarians Special Interest Group is pleased to announce the publication of a new handbook to assist you in

Evaluating Internet Web Sites

Table of contents
Preface   2
Introduction   3
Search Engines and Directories   4
Web-Page Design   7
Technical Aspects   16
Copyright   20
Information Content   24
Index   29

Introduction
Traditionally, the library profession was the designated information gatekeeper. The librarian had a responsibility to build an organisation's knowledge base by acquiring, organising and disseminating information when required. At first resources were restricted to varying forms of print (monographs, newspapers, journals), than a shift to electronic formats for speedier delivery and less cost (CD ROMs, Online services). Now, a third format has joined the party, the Internet with its partner the WWW.

Since its introduction the internet and WWW has opened up the floodgates to end user searching. The low cost and ease of hosting a web site has resulted in an explosion of sites ranging from commercial to personal. Whatever information is sought, there is a high probability that a web site exist to answer the need. But common perception amongst net users is that all information off the Internet is good and reliable. But librarians know better. With the absence of standardisation, organisation and regulation, the Net has become an unyielding monster - there may be treasure amongst the millions of sites but there is also a high proportion of junk. The net's very nature encourages self publishing which bypasses the evaluative processes embodied in print and electronic resources.

For reliable, objective, credible and current information, a web site needs to be put through an evaluative process. Otherwise, the information is untrustworthy and dangerous. But what criteria should be used and what should be evaluated? Apart from content, a web site's quality is also dependent on layout/design, technical aspects, tools used to access it, style and copyright.

This book will look at each of the above elements and provides a guide to assessing web site structure and quality. At the end of each section, a bibliography is provided for more information.

Cost:
$10.90 (incl GST) for OPAL members
$13.10 (incl GST) for non OPAL members
Price includes packing/postage within Australia
For Overseas postage please add A$2.00.

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