Content area
The article discusses a research aimed towards carrying out an evaluative study of websites of selected library networks of the USA. The study analyses the design and structure, website presentation, availability of links and webpages, accessibility of information content and availability of website aid tools on selected library networks' websites on the basis of number of checkpoints. A checklist was prepared to evaluate the design and structure of selected library networks' websites, and the data was collected from the websites. The study examines the type of links (internal links, external links, dofollow links, nofollow links, etc.) used by selected library networks websites. The result highlights that most of the library networks of the USA have well-structured and properly maintained websites with accurate information and accessible uniform resource locator (URL). It also reveals that most of the library networks' websites are using website-aid tools (such as search, navigation, comment, feedback, and Web 2.0 tools), which makes it easy to navigate information from different webpages.
Abstract
The article discusses a research aimed towards carrying out an evaluative study of websites of selected library networks of the USA. The study analyses the design and structure, website presentation, availability of links and webpages, accessibility of information content and availability of website aid tools on selected library networks' websites on the basis of number of checkpoints. A checklist was prepared to evaluate the design and structure of selected library networks' websites, and the data was collected from the websites. The study examines the type of links (internal links, external links, dofollow links, nofollow links, etc.) used by selected library networks websites. The result highlights that most of the library networks of the USA have well-structured and properly maintained websites with accurate information and accessible uniform resource locator (URL). It also reveals that most of the library networks' websites are using website-aid tools (such as search, navigation, comment, feedback, and Web 2.0 tools), which makes it easy to navigate information from different webpages.
Keywords: Website design, Website structure, Website evaluation, Library networks
Introduction
Information has become a pervasive necessity in nearly every phenomenon of life. The present age has also been defined as the information age, global information village, and global information economy. We live in an infotech age where every user requires accurate, factual, and quick information. The major concern today for libraries is that the users including the students and the teachers have begun to use web resources for their study as WWW is interactive, easy to use, and includes sounds and animation that makes it a rich communication medium. World Wide Web (WWW) has a lot to offer but not all sources are equally valuable or reliable. Nowadays, users have begun to use web resources for everything frequently (Chaubey and Kumar 2004). The WWW is widely used in every sector of information organization as it is useful for gathering timely information which is freely available (sometimes a subscription needed) 24 x 7. The WWW fulfils the Fourth Law of Library Science as it saves the time of the users by providing Library Science them as timely it saves and the easy time access of the to well- users by organized information content.
Library networks' websites are extremely useful in the Internet Age. These websites are providing information regarding resource sharing, training programmes, information services, new publications, membership, organizational units, and research developments of related fields, this makes easy for researchers to find up-to-date information on their field or subject from a single website link. The library networks websites are providing all sources of information in electronic formats such as e-books, e-journals, e-newsletters, e-databases, and e-magazines. These resources can be easily accessed by library users. Further library networks are helping their members by highlighting their own publications and research works on their websites.
Library networks are promoting cooperation amongst different libraries to share their information content and services. Library networks help the group of libraries in sharing the information content which has great need and cost. Library networks are needed to solve the problem of information overload, increasing cost of information resources, information needs of users, and lack of knowledge of ICT in the staff. According to American Library Association (ALA) glossary of library and information science(1983), "library network isa specialized type of library cooperation for centralized development of cooperative programmes and services including use of computers and telecommunication, and requiring the establishment of a central office and a staff to accomplished network programmes rather than merely to coordinate them"
Website evaluation is the use of research or investigative procedures to systematicallydetermine the effectiveness of a web based information system on an ongoing basis. Evaluation plays a key role in organizational planning, monitoring website activities, services EA Bo Website evaluation is a procedure to systematically determine the effectiveness of a web-based information system on an ongoing basis. Evaluation is important to improve and develop library networks' websites. The study discussed in the article focuses on the design and structure of library networks' websites, website presentation, types of links used by library networks" websites (such as internal links and external links) and use of website-aid tools by selected library networks' Websites of the USA.
Objectives of the Study
The study attempted to achieve the following objectives:
* To study the design and structure of selected library networks' websites in the USA.
* To examine different webpages available on library networks" websites under study.
* To study internal and external links available on selected library networks' websites in the USA.
* To examine current updates and maintenance of selected library networks' websites under study.
* To study the use of website-aid tools by selected library networks' websites.
Scope
There are several library networks in the USA, which are of different types such as general library networks, public library networks, special library networks, and academic library networks. The study selects five library networks" websites in the USA. Selection of these library networks' websites was based on the availability of sites, language of websites, accessibility to websites, and currency of information available on websites.
Thus, the study undertook the following five library networks of different types:
1. Energy Science Network (ESNET)
2. Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK)
3. Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM)
4. Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)
5. Ohio Library Network (OHIONET)
Evaluation of Selected Library Networks' Websites in the USA
Energy Sciences Network
The Energy Sciences Network (ESNET) was officially formed in 1986, the ESNET's roots stretch back to the mid-1970s, when staff at the CTR Computer Center at Lawrence, Livermore national laboratory installed acoustic modems. The ESNET's website is a well-structured and organized website with various internal and external links. Its website is like a bundle of information on a single link, which is helpful for researchers. It provides well-organized, synthesized, and evaluated information through various sources and services. It consists of web portal links which are My.es.net, perfSONAR, and customer service portal. ESNET website consists of a live map of ESNET sites and hubs. It also shows links to ESNET faster data knowledge base, which is an expert guide for end-to-end performance tuning, tools, and techniques.
Federal Library and Information Center Committee
The Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) came into being in 1965 as the federal library committee by joint action of the Library of Congress and the Bureau of the Budget (currently the office of management and budget). (FEDLINK 2022). Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) is an organization of federal agencies. The FEDLINK's Website is organized and managed by the Library of Congress thus the website can be accessed from the Library of Congress site. FEDLINK provides assisted federal-assisted acquisition for bibliographic services, books, foreign language, information retrieval and serials.
Network of National Library of Medicine
Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM) was started to help US health professionals to access biomedical information. (NNLM 2022) The website of NNLM appears with a colourful homepage that consists of a search tool, a login page, its national initiatives, upcoming events, regional medical libraries (RML), and their contact information. It has its own inter-library loan (ILL) request routing system called, DOCLINE that provides efficient lending and borrowing services. The NNLM's website is helpful to search its collections which include sources from the National Institute of Health (NIH), and other trusted sources of health information, research data, outreach toolkits, training opportunities, and much more.
Online Computer Library Center
OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) was established in 1967 as a non-profit organization that provides shared technology services, original research and community programmes for its members and the library community at large. The OCLC has 30,000 members in 100+ countries which include all types of libraries (OCLC 2022). The OCLCs website houses an attractive and informative tagline, images, headings, and a colorful theme. The tagline of the network is "because what is known must be shared" which depicts its motive as a network. Information on the OCLC website is available in different languages such as English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French and Chinese, amongst others. The website contains audio-video and images to share information in an effective way. The OCLC provides network services (union catalogue and resource sharing) to all its member libraries. On an average, the OCLC system processes 40+ million search requests each day.
Ohio Library Network (OHIONET)
Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) was formed in 1977 around the novel idea that libraries of all types and sizes share one important similarity - they all want to strengthen their communities and give their patrons their very best. (OHIONET 2022) The website of OHIONET appears with the very effective tagline - 'connect communicate collaborate' - which itself shows the mission and objectives of the network. It clearly shows that 300+ member organizations, 4000+ individual libraries, 30,000+ professionals, and one incredible consortium are members of this network. OHIONET library network website uses different effective and attractive taglines on its different web pages. OHIONET is supporting Ohio Private Academy Libraries (OPAL), Consortium of Ohio Libraries (COOL), and Portage Library Consortium. It also uses Web 2.0 tools for sharing information and effective communication.
Research Methodology
Research methodology is the main part of any research work thus it should be selected appropriately. The method adopted for the present study is the checklist method. A structured checklist was prepared to find out the design and structure of library networks' websites understudy. The checklist was designed to examine the content presentation, multimedia presentation, internal and external links provided, and web presentation of websites under study. The checklist consists of dichotomous questions and rating scales to evaluate the websites under study. The primary data was collected from the selected library networks websites. The websites are visited at different times to study the regular updates and test various parameters of the website. Collected data is regularly checked, evaluated, and finalized with proper reference to the websites.
For each question two options for answer were provided, that is, yes or no. One point is assigned for yes (1) and zero point is assigned for no (0). On the other side, a five-point rating scale is used to rank the library networks' websites as excellent, very good, good, average, and below average. The five-point rating scale is:
a) Excellent (5)
b) Very good (4)
c) Good (3)
d) Average (2)
e) Below average (1)
The study is divided into six parameters Which are further divided into subcategories to analyze the design and structure of the selected library networks websites (Table 1). A checklist consisting of six parameters (general information, design and structure of the website, internal links and external links available, accessibility and accuracy of information content, availability of information on web pages, and use of website aid tools) was prepared for collecting data. These parameters are further divided into subcategories. Overall a websites performance is calculated Iculated on on the the basis basis of of points point scored d by by li library networks websites out of a total score of 230.
The present research uses a website 'link counter checker' tool to examine internal and external links available on selected library networks websites. The total points assigned to these links are out of the highest points (108) obtained by the library networks' website (Figure 1).
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Collected Data Analysis data is divided and into Interpretation different categories for evaluation and interpretation. These categories are as below:
* General information features of websites
* Design and structure of the website
* Internal and external links available on websites
* Accessibility and accuracy of information content
* Analysis of web pages
* Use of website aid tools
General Information Features
These features help to study the uniform resource locator (URL) of library networks' websites, the authority of information, mission, history, organizational unit, and presentation of the home page. They also aid in studying the home page of websites, their icons, headings, subtitles, and multimedia content.
General information features of the networks' websites help the users to understand their goals and objectives. These features help to analyze the information on the home page of the website.
General information like URLs, logos, headings, and subheadings makes it easier to understand the objectives of the websites. Copyright information makes the website authenticated and real while contact information helps to connect the users to the organization and answer their queries. Table 2 gives the general information feature of selected library networks in the USA. All the selected library networks' websites have general information which consists of a logo on the home page, a short URL, appropriate headings and subtitles, multimedia content, copyright, contact, organizational units, consistent header and footer, and Web 2.0 technologies and networks' policy statement. Further, only the Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK), Energy Science Network (ESNET), and Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM) have used the name of the parental organization on their websites. Out of five selected networks only two library networks -FEDLINK and NNLM -show the last updated information on their websites. Except for NNLM, all four networks' websites show their history and committee-related information on their websites.
As the result shows (Table 2), out of 17 points, the Federal Library and Information Network scored the highest points by getting full points while Energy Science Network (ESNET) scored 16 points. The Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM), and Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) scored 15 points each. Analysis implies that a few library network websites are providing most of the general feature information, although Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), Energy Science Network (ESNET), and Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) need to provide information about the last date on which the content of the website was updated.
Design and Structure of Library Network's Website
A thoughtful website presentation could make websites more attractive and effective with the use of different colours and animations to enrich users' experience. This also forms the ground for the users to visit the website again. As described in Table 3, the selected library networks have well-structured and organized websites. These websites make use of new terminologies, text clarity, and multimedia presentation to facilitate users understanding of the given information. All the library networks websites have excellent loading speeds that enable users to access the information instantly. Websites have chosen pleasant colours which give ease to users eyes while going through the information. Library networks websites have excellent web presentations with well-organized information pages and multimedia presentations.
Table 3 highlights the website presentation of selected library networks' websites. For rating, the website presentation features five-point rating : scales (1-5) to mark the parameters. These rating scales are: excellent (5), very good (4), good (3), average (2), and below average (1). In total 65 points are allotted to assess all parameters, out of which Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) website scored the highest points with 60 points. The website of Online Computer Library Center has the best presentation with the excellent loading speed, animation style, multimedia content, text clarity, and readability. The network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) and : Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) scored the second- highest points, scoring 59 points. Energy Science Network (ESNET), and Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) scored 58 points.
All selected library networks websites have excellent loading speeds, use new terms, have clear and readable text and excellent text format. Websites of these library networks' are wellstructured and organized information with attractive website designs and colours. All of the selected library networks' websites use readable and clear headings, fonts, and styles. OCLC, NNLM, and ESNET represent multimedia with the use of Web 2.0 tools. Majority of the library networks' websites have not used animation styles.
Internal and External Links
The present research uses the website 'link counter checker' tool to examine the links available on selected library networks" websites. The link count checker tool shows the result in the following five categories:
Total links are the total number of internal and external links that a website contains. :
Internal links are link pages that can be found : on the same website. :
External links are the links that take the users to other websites.
Nofollow links are typically shown in red as they indicate a threat and hence must be avoided.
Dofollow links are links that allow Google and other search engines to follow the website and enable users to reach to the destination page.
Table 4 reveals that the NNLM's website scored highest with 108 total links, followed by the OCLCs website which scored 104 total links. Further ESNET scored 84, the OHIONET score was 71 and the FEDLINK scored 64 in total. NNLMs website provides the highest number ofinternal links. It has a very attractive home page with useful information and a number of navigational tools. NNLM's website consists of a total of 90 internal links and 18 external links, Which help to navigate information within and outside the website. OCLCs website provides users with the highest number of external links. The website of Energy Science Network has 62 internal links and 22 external links, which help its users to connect to their blogging service (Light Byte) and web portals. ESNET provides a link to live map on its home page. The discussion signifies that these websites provide their users easy access to information by providing dedicated links.
Accessibility and Accuracy of Information Content
Table 5 represents the accessibility and accuracy of the information available on five library networks websites under consideration. In todays information age, accuracy and reliability ofinformation is a pertinent aspect to test. It is an important criterion for web resources, because of self-publishing and unknown authorship found on Websites. On the other side, accessibility to web information is also a significant aspect.
Table 5 establishes that most of the selected library networks websites are equipped with features so that the information available on these websites is easily accessible and accurate. These websites have an open access URL which can be accessed anytime from anywhere. It helps the users to locate authentic and accurate information without paying any cost. The navigation bar of the websites helps to go through different web pages and navigate the information content easily. The websites under study are free from spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. These websites are using well-maintained with duly updated links which make it convenient to locate information from different web pages.
Analysis of WebPages
The data analysis in Table 6 reveals that websites of library networks under study have different web pages such as home page, about page, purpose mission, events and programmes, members directory, services, sources, training programmes, news & updates, and contact information. Other than these different library networks have different pages such as ESNET's ESNET6 (sixth generation of energy science network), Light Bytes (blogging service), Live Map and Fasterdata (knowledge base). It is worth mentioning, FEDLINK has a web page for account management, vendor products and services, expositions & awards, an online registration page, federal library directory, and staff contact directory.
Table 6 details the availability of web pages of selected library networks' websites. All of the selected library networks' websites have a home page, about page, events and programmes page, members directory, services & resources page, training programmes web page, their own publications page, news & updates, job opportunity page, webinar information, and contact information page.
A total of 20 points are assigned to all web pages out of which the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) website scored the highest amongst the selected library networks websites. The Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM), scored second highest by obtaining 19 points. Energy Science Network (ESNET) and Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) each scored 17 points out of the total points. Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) scored the lowest points by getting 16 points. Analysis implies that OHIONET needs to add the web pages that give information relevant to: details ofits funding organization, its purpose and mission, its research and developments page, and information on awards provided by the networks.
Use of Website Aid Tools
Table 7 describes the uses of website aid tools by selected library networks' websites. The table consists of a total of 10 points. The table focuses on the use of different website development tools, social media tools, and Web 2.0 tools by the library networks websites.
Table 7 clearly shows OCLC and NNLM are using a good amount of website aid tools on their websites to help their users easily access the information. Most of the selected library networks websites are using search tools, navigation tools, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages, blogging services, and Web 2.0 tools (such as Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, and YouTube). These tools are useful to connect Users to websites. By using Web 2.0 tools users can share their comments or feedback about the websites. The FAQ page helps to solve the most-asked queries of the users. The websites under the study use their blogs to update the users about forthcoming events of the networks. Out of five library networks' websites, only the Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM) utilizes a comment tool on its website. Only Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) is using a feedback tool on its website. As the result suggests, OHIONET needs to add a search tool, comment tool, feedback tool, and blogging service to its website. FEDLINK and ESNET need to add comment tools and feedback tools to their websites.
Rank List of Websites Under Study
The rank list of selected websites of library networks under study has been presented in Table 8. The table depicts the rank list of selected library network websites under study based on the parameters selected for the checklist. From all the library networks, the Network of the National Library of Medicine has scored the highest points (95.65%). Online Computer Library Center gets 94.78% and secures the second rank in the list of selected library network websites. Energy Science Network secured 83.91%. Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) and Ohio Library Network (OHIONET) scored below 80%, the least among all the selected library networks' websites, as their websites are not regularly updated with the last updated information and has not used website aid tools as compared to other library networks' websites.
Findings and Discussion
In today's world, users prefer to access information sources and library services through digital medium. The library website is a vital tool to digitally communicate and interact with the users. Library websites make the users aware of various kind of information sources and servicesavailable in library, therefore efforts should be made by librarians to develop a dedicated library website and link it to the university websitefor better accessibility (Gupta and Walia 2022).
The findings and discussion of the study are as follows:
* General information features of websites help the users to understand the objectives and mission of the networks. It helps to access the copyright information, contact information, policy statements, history, and organization units of the website. Library networks' websites should update their websites with the last date of the information. It will help the users to know the currency of the information available on the website.
* The design and structure of websites give a format to the website. It helps to make the website well-structured and organized. To improve the presentation of the websites, library networks should use attractive website design and structure with suitable use of colours, multimedia information, animations, new terminology, the contrast of background, and heading colours, which will give ease to users' eyes and attract them to the website.
* Internal and external links take the users to the other page or website for more information. These are helpful to easily locate information within or outside the websites. Library networks' websites having a smaller number of internal links and external links should increase their links by attaching other informative web pages on their websites, such as their own blogs or portals.
* Library networks websites should be accessible to users on 24x7 basis with the fastest loading speed, which will help their users to easily access the information and navigate through different web pages. Website URLs should have open access to all its users, which can be accessed anytime from anywhere. Library network websites should upload accurate or reliable information content. It should avoid any grammatical or spelling errors.
* Library networks' websites should attach different web pages in such a way that it becomes convenient for the users to locate information. Library networks should also upload information sources and services in multiple languages so that a large community of users can use them. The websites of library networks should use different web pages with different headings and sub-headings for clarity of information. The website can use the calendar page for uploading all current events and programmes.
* Library networks' websites should use website aid tools for making information search easier and convenient. The websites should use comment and feedback tools to get users' feedback, this will help them to improve their websites. The websites must include a FAQ page to give ready responses to users' queries. Conclusion
Library and information networks are of great importance in today's information age, to solve the problem of information overload, increasing information needs of users and increasing cost of information resources. The websites of library networks help groups of libraries in sharing information resources and services, fulfilling users needs of information and providing the best information services to their users with the help of inter-library loan services and cooperative cataloguing. There are different types of library networks, such as, general library networks, public library networks, academic library networks, and special library networks. The study reveals that most of the selected library networks have pleasant website design and structure, information on various web pages, internal & external links, short and simple URLs, and website aid tools. The study found out that library networks" websites in the USA are well structured and maintained with good website presentation (which includes excellent loading speed, animation style, multimedia content, text clarity, and readability). They are using appropriate internal and external links to assist users to connect to their own blogging service and web portals. They are also using their logo, copyright information, contact information, and Web 2.0 tools on their home pages. On the other side, some websites are not making use of website aid tools and the last date of update on their home pages. Thus, there is a need for regular updates of the websites to provide users with current information.
References
Chaubey, O. N. and R. Kumar. 2005 November 23-26. Evaluation of Information Resources in the Internet Era. National Convention on Library and Information Networking (NACLIN), Pune, India
Checker -find external; internal links. ESnet. Details available at <https://www.es.net/ >;; last accessed on 3 June 2022
Thomson, et al., 2003, Evaluating Federal Websites: improving e-government for the people. Details available at <https://www. researchgate.net/publication/228859280_ Evaluating federal websites I mproving_eGovernment for the people >;
Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK). n.d. Details available at <https://www.loc.gov/flicc/about/History/ history.html >;; last accessed on 2 June 2022
Gupta, M., and P. K. Walia. 2022 . Web Presence and Structure Evaluation of the European National Libraries' Websites: a study. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). https:// digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/
The ALA glossary of library and information science. 1983 Heartsill Young, editor, ALA Editions Details available at <https:// catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/762277 >;
Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). 2022 n.d. Details available at <https://www.nnlm.gov/about/about-nnlm >;; last accessed on 2 June 2022
Online Computer Library Center (OCLC): Worldwide, member-driven library organization. Details available at <https:// www.oclc.org/en/home.html >;; last accessed on 6 June 2022
Ohio Library Network (OHIONET). 2022 Bringing libraries together to build stronger communities. Details available at <https:// www.ohionet.org/ >;; last accessed on 5 June 2022
Website Links Count Checker. 2022find external; internal links. n.d. Website Links Count. Details available at <https://smallseotools. com/website-links-count-checker/ >;; last accessed on 2 June 2022
Copyright The Energy and Resources Institute Dec 2023