Evaluation Criteria: Background Information
When evaluating a website, it's important to record information about the environment in which the evaluation was conducted. In other words, did you use the website during a peak time of day or at night? Did you use a machine running Macintosh or Windows operating system? Were you using a low or high speed connection? This information is important in order to understand the context of your critique.
Evaluator Information
Record your name, title, and contact information such as email address so people can contact you about your evaluation. Also indicate the date and time of your evaluation. If you evaluate the website during peak hours your reaction might be different in terms of speed, availability of instant assistance, and other services than if you used the website in the early morning or late night hours.
Website Information
Record the website title as it appears on the entry page across the title bar. Also record the URL (web address). You may also want to write down the location such as the city, state/province, and other information. Indicate the type of website such as school or library page.
Computer Information
When possible, conduct a website evaluation on multiple computers using different display configurations and times of day.
Operating System, Browser, Plugins
Record the operating system such as Mac, Windows, or Linux along with the specific version. Indicate the web browser used as well as the specific version.
Does the website require any particular software, drivers, or plugins? For example, some websites indicate that you need the Adobe PDF reader or Flash plugin to use some resources.
Screen Size and Display Settings
Every website looks different depending on the monitor size, screen size, and display settings. If possible, check the website on multiple display settings. On the Mac, these settings are found in the System Preferences under Displays. In Windows, choose Start and Control Panel, then Appearance and Themes and open the Display to see the options.
Background Information Review
Record the following information about the website you are evaluating:
- Your Name, Title, and Contact Information
- Date and Time of Evaluation
- Name of Website
- URL - Web Address
- Location of Website (i.e., city, state/province, country)
- Type of Website (i.e., school, classroom, school library, public library, etc.)
- Your Operating System (i.e., Mac OSX, Windows XP)
- Your Web Browser (i.e., FireFox 2.0.0.1, Internet Explorer 5.2)
- Your PlugIns (i.e., Adobe PDF reader, Flash plugin)
- Your Screen Size and Display Settings (i.e, 17 in screen, 1024x640 resolution)