Content Management Feasibility
Current Web Site Problems
The group had a brainstorming session regarding problems and strengths of the current web site, and further analyzed the problems as follows:
Barriers to contribute content
- Contributors require knowledge of basic HTML and web page design.
Simple instructions were given in the document "Standards & Practices for
UW Library Web Pages", and the use of server side "include" statements helps web site maintainers to conform to Library web page designs. However, contributors still require the basic knowledge of HTML and web page design to be able to contribute directly to the Library web site. Many have resorted to rely on the help of designated web site maintainers. Others may contribute directly but need help in HTML or design from time to time.
- The lack of technical knowledge is also a barrier to contribute to the content of the web site.
Web site maintainers generally need help in the use of Javascript, CSS, etc. and clearance of the use of such on various browsers and their versions.
Workload and maintenance issues
- It is not easy to make a global change on the web site. A change of URL may generate work to make change on several pages. It is also hard to keep track of the changes required.
- Although monthly Linkbot reports informs of problem links, orphan pages, etc., the task of checking these can be easily neglected.
- Same information may appear on multiple pages for various reasons, and updates are required to be done on these pages individually.
- Timely updates are a problem. Each page has to be updated individually. It is not easy to keep track of pages requiring updates. Also, pages are not revised routinely.
- Web site maintainers are required to familiarize themselves with the web site standards and practices. Currently, no formal training is provided. Also, as the standards are updated, one can neglect the standards easily, as other matters of the web pages are considered.
- Currently, in UNIX, an individual owns each page and a group is given write permission. There is a limit to the number of groups, and an individual can participate in a limited number of groups. Hence, there is not enough flexibility for staff members who work on the whole web site, and for creators who need help in maintaining their pages.
- Changes and updates may result in technical conflicts. The most obvious example was that the javascript used in the navigation bar had to be re-adjusted to accommodate unexpected problems with some browsers, and it was also found to conflict with other javascript on some pages, e.g., the TUG e-journals' page.
- The sheer size of the site compounds many of the above problems.
Training needs
- Web site maintainers have to be trained in HTML. With the increasing complexity of the HTML standard, resource to be allocated to training and re-training can be a problem. Creators may use Dreamweaver without basic HTML knowledge, and can feel frustrated or find problems on their web pages.
- Web site maintainers have to trained in the use of Dreamweaver. Some consider it to be too complex software for their purpose. The problem is compounded when the staff members do not work on the web site frequently.
- Web site maintainers also need to be trained in standards, i.e., HTML, CSS and accessibility standards, in addition to the Library's standards and the University web site standards. To comply with the standards, maintainers also need to be trained in their validation software.
Web site design/appearance
- So often, much effort has to be spent in coordinating the work of content contributor, graphic designer and in some cases, programming help, before a new web page/project can be launched.
- Contributors to the web site are considered the owners of their web pages and may prefer unique designs. This culture of page ownership has resulted in various design looks, even in the same areas of the Library web site.
Archiving
- Currently, the site is archived on CD, in a compressed format, once a year. It is not easy to extract a file archived on CD. A limited number of files are archived on the live site, in the cases they may be useful.
August 2, 2005
