Information Architecture for Websites of Libraries and Information Departments in Egyptian Universities: An Evaluation Study

Document Type : Original Article

Author

faculty of arts, Beni-Suef Uni, Egypt

Abstract

Websites of academic departments in universities serve as a scientific gate for communication among stakeholders in education, including faculty members and students. This study attempts, therefore, to evaluate information architecture for websites of departments of libraries and information (n=15) in Egyptian universities and identify the degree of their benefit and commitment to technical specifications of information architecture. Using the descriptive analytical method, the researcher employed a checklist designed after examining and analysing the published content to build up standards for evaluating information architecture for websites. These standards included four criteria, namely collection of information (i.e., structure and layout of website), organisation of information (i.e., organisation of content, modelling, classification, indexing, structure, and user experience), access to information (i.e., navigation, search, information analysis, user experience to access information), and delivery and access to digital services (i.e., vision and aims, ease of use, documentation of processes, credibility, and interactive design). The findings of the study revealed that all websites under investigation do not utilize specific layouts or procedures in the availability and flow of information; only 2 (13.3%) websites were reported to have such layouts and procedures. Nevertheless, most websites were found in high conformity with the criterion of information analysis; 12 (80%) websites allowed users to interact, offer suggestions, and send their queries. Similarly,

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