Information Architecture

From school web pages to library websites, anyone can create a functioning web page. However, it takes thought and planning to create an effective, efficient, and appealing web site. There are both content and technical aspects of web development. In other words, the website must contain quality information. In addition, the website must function effectively in order for the user to find this information.

Information for the web can be anything that can be stored and retrieved electronically. Although you might think of websites containing text and graphics, there are many other possibilities including audio, video, and animation.

You might be interested in developing a web page, web project, or a web site. A page is a single web document. Web projects generally contains a series of web pages. A web site is a comprehensive system of related web pages, projects, databases, and/or resources.

The materials in this section of the website are listed below:

Overview

• Definition of Information Architecture
• The Information Architect
• Libraries and Information Users

Principles of Information Architecture

• Organization
• Labeling
• Navigation
• Search
• Metatdata

Research

• Context
  • Purpose
• Content
  • Content Analysis
  • Content Types
  • Content: Informational
  • Content: Informational
  • Content: Instructional
  • Content: Promotional
  • Content: Communication & Collaboration
  • Content: Service and Management
  • Content: Publishing
  • Content: School Topics
  • Content: Library Topics
• Users
  • Audience
  • Needs Assessment Tools
  • Goal Identification
  • Unique Content

Strategy

• Top-Down Approach
• Bottom-Up Approach
• Content Management
• Project Plan

Design

• Technical Design
  • File Management
  • Technical Standards
  • Web Accessibility
• Web Design
  • Information
    
  • Communication
    
  • Web-based Environments
    
  • Pages
    
  • Organization
    
  • Navigation
    
  • Text
    
  • Graphics
    
  • Multimedia
    
  • Interaction

Implementation

• Classroom Use
  • Project Development
  • Project Management
• Management
  • Policies
  • Promotion
  • Staff Involvement
• Maintenance
  • Ongoing Maintenance
  • Error Detection
• Enhancement
• Evaluation
  • Issues
  • Validation
  • Types
• Usability
  • Testing
  • User Characteristics
  • User Technology
  • User Experience
  • Resources

Thanks to Bill Henning and Krystal McReynolds for help with the earlier versions of this course and website.

Thanks to Peter Morville & Louis Rosenfeld for ideas adapted from Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, 3rd edition.

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