Web Site Analysis

This research was a content analysis of twelve historical societies / state archives in the Midwest. Since the last series of archival web site reviews in the mid-1990's archives are using the web to deliver increasingly more content. This content includes actual digitized primary sources and databases of public records, information about collections, research aids, and exhibits on a variety of topics. These sites also are specifically targeting core constituencies, such as educators, genealogists, and students. State archives / historical societies, however, have paid less attention to design principles - the heuristics and features that provide users with cognitive or visual cues to help them effectively utilize a Web site. In particular, we found little adherence to basic guidelines for web page navigation and a confusing array of search possibilities on most web sites. These two factors directly affect the ability to locate content. As a result, a site may have excellent content but poor usability. Finally, our analysis indicated that these sites have varying levels of visibility, although their impact in the area if genealogy and family history is the greatest.

Investigators: Elizabeth Yakel and SI Doctoral Student Jihyun Kim

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