An Evaluation Check-list

In addition to web logs, a web evaluation checklist can be used both by a visitor to the site and the publisher of the site. The web evaluation checklist can be used by people in general in their quest to identify web information resources that are relevant and useful to them. The publisher of the site can also send a web evaluation questionnaire to regular visitors so that they can assess the impact of the site and its usefulness. Every type of web site should have a user feedback form or a request for visitors to send their comments, usually by email.

Annete Skov (1996) lays down some general guidelines in the evaluation of web sites by saying:

"It should be kept in mind, though, that web sites serve different purposes: informational, business/marketing, advocacy, news, personal etc.; thus the evaluation criteria should be applied to specific types of web resources. Although general criteria are applicable, the importance of the individual criteria may vary according to the type of web page. The fitness for purpose quality should be considered according to the page's specific purpose!"

An ideal web site to be used to contribute to the development process i.e. providing information for development should have a number of features. Some of the features are derived from the preceding guidelines.

1. Development goals — are they clearly stated and is there any congruence with the content?

2. Information content — satisfaction of the user in terms of quality, quantity and currency of the information.

3. Source of the content — how authoritative is the source of the information presented?

4. Accuracy — how reliable is the information?

5. Coverage — what are the key topics or issues covered and to what depth?

6. Interactive features — key questions to ask: does the web site give users the opportunity to 'get involved ' through such features as an enquiry service, online discussion, feedback form?

7. General layout, design and usability — is the site clearly laid out and easy to navigate?

8. Stability — ' it's here today, but will it be here tomorrow? Can you cite it with some assurance that it will be found again?'

9. Affiliation — Is there a corporate entity (i.e. company, government, organisation, and university) which supports the site? Is there a link to the homepage of the organisation? Is there an email link?

10. Point of accessibility — Ease of access? Is the server always busy? Are they any access fees? Any requirements to register before use?

11. Performance — any large, heavy graphics? Suitability for disabled? Any text-only option or different language? Is it browser compatible? Are there any software requirements to view the site e.g. plug-ins?

Practical Guideline 12: Evaluate over time how the web resource has directly or indirectly led to socio-economic progress whether at a personal level, community level, organisational level and national level i.e. what are the benefits that has accrued to a community of users since the introduction of the web resource.

Practical Guideline 13: Use web counters and robust web logs that yield more statistics about the visitors to your web site.

Practical Guideline 14: Carry out a regular survey to assess the usefulness of the web resource and updates needed to increase the value of the web resource.

Practical Guideline 15: List the uses or functions of the web site and document tangible benefits (outcomes) - based on the feedback exercise in Practical Guideline 14, that have accrued to people and the organisation over time as a direct or indirect result of the web site.

Implementation and Impact Assessments