Present: Chris Gray, Linda Hastings, Esther Millar, Marina Wan (Facilitator), Charles Woods (Recorder)
Guest: Paul St. Pierre
Regrets: Bill Oldfield
The group discussed issues regarding the implementation of the new library homepage. It was agreed that issues such as the use of hidden links on the navigation bar should be deferred until the new page is implemented. There was some confusion about what demonstration pages were current. (Chris subsequently identified the current pages:
"The latest versions of pages for testing are at:
http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/index_new10.html
and
http://www.lib.uwaterloo.ca/indexlev2.html
If you'd like to see the effect of the new navbar on secondary pages, start at :
http://www.libtest.uwaterloo.ca/
and try links like "Help & Instruction -> Research Starting Points"
Marina noted that she would contact Susan Routliffe about several publicity issues. The group identified 8:30am Monday August 12 as the moment by which the new site should be available to the public. Linda, Esther and Chris will activate the necessary pages and images on library and on lap2 (Tugweb).
Paul St. Pierre identified several outstanding tasks that will be attacked after August 12:
The group discussed the roles of ISMC, CNAG and Webops in the future. It was agreed that ISMC should discuss the relative roles but it was noted that CNAG should continue its advisory role and Webops would continue to address problematic/maintenance issues.
Paul noted that although the process was taxing at times the emerging product is most worthwhile. The CNAG group has learned allot about the usability-study process and can do similar future studies more quickly.
Chris identified several problems with Netscape 4.7 and noted that it was desirable to review the field of browsers available. (this URL was tabled before the meeting: http://www.webstandards.org/act/campaign/
buc/ ) . He noted that it was important to have a browser that is standards-compliant and works with the affiliated plugins and applications in use today.
The group asked Chris to summarize these points in an email. After review by the group it will be forwarded to Mark Haslett and Susan Routliffe.
Around the Table
Nothing
Chris agreed to facilitate the next meeting(s) of the WebOps group and the general implementation plan while Marina is on vacation. A room is reserved for Wednesday August 7 if required.