ALA ALSCALA ALSC

The Web is a lot like a flea market: there’s a The Web is a lot like a flea market: there’s a vast selection of sites to choose from but not vast selection of sites to choose from but not a lot of order to it. Some sites are offered by a lot of order to it. Some sites are offered by reputable “dealers” and some from reputable “dealers” and some from individuals who want to show off their individuals who want to show off their personal favorite items. Sometimes it’s hard personal favorite items. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s a hidden treasure, what’s worth to tell what’s a hidden treasure, what’s worth taking a look at, and what’s a waste of time.taking a look at, and what’s a waste of time.

http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/greatwebsites/http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/greatwebsites/greatwebsitesforkids/greatwebsites.cfmgreatwebsitesforkids/greatwebsites.cfm

What’s in a Name?What’s in a Name?

.com.com -- commercial businessescommercial businesses .gov.gov -- federal governmentfederal government k12k12 -- K-12 school sitesK-12 school sites .edu.edu-- college and university sitescollege and university sites .org.org -- non-profit organizationsnon-profit organizations ~~ -- created by an individualcreated by an individual

Characteristics of a Web Characteristics of a Web SiteSite

AuthorAuthor PurposePurpose Design and StabilityDesign and Stability ContentContent

AuthorAuthor

Who created the site?Who created the site? What is the source of the What is the source of the

information?information? Is there a way to contact the author?Is there a way to contact the author?

PurposePurpose

Purpose should be clearPurpose should be clear Advertising should be limitedAdvertising should be limited Site should enrich user’s experience Site should enrich user’s experience

and expand the imaginationand expand the imagination

Design and StabilityDesign and Stability

Information is easy to find and easy to Information is easy to find and easy to useuse

Layout is appealingLayout is appealing Text is easy to read, not cluttered by Text is easy to read, not cluttered by

graphics, fonts and backgroundsgraphics, fonts and backgrounds Easy to navigateEasy to navigate Well organized linksWell organized links Loads quickly and is usually availableLoads quickly and is usually available

ContentContent

Title should be meaningfulTitle should be meaningful Easy to read and understandEasy to read and understand Enough informationEnough information Search function if neededSearch function if needed Spelling and grammar correctSpelling and grammar correct Current and accurate – last updated Current and accurate – last updated

datedate

ALA ALSCALA ALSCGreat Web Sites for KidsGreat Web Sites for Kids

The American Library Association The American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Library (ALA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) publish a Service to Children (ALSC) publish a list of recommended web sites:list of recommended web sites:

http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfsection=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfmapps/gws/default.cfm

http://www.shorty.com/bonsaikitten/                      

                     

Golden Gate Tunnel (R.I.P.)  The Golden Gate Bridge is pretty, but those who know, go below. Welcome to the official web site of the Golden Gate Tunnel, the brand-new and previously unpublicized underwater roadway that passes directly below the Golden Gate Bridge. You'll be shocked and amazed at the stunning array of "trainsportainment" amenities the tunnel has to offer: meet Miss Golden Gate Tunnel, browse the deep-fried options in the Donut Court, or pick up an official permit. You're also invited to meet Golden Gate Tunnel Employee of the Month Rupert Jacktasty, who greets San Francisco-bound commuters moments before they plunge hundreds of feet below the surface of the bay. So skip the sunshine, flip on your beams, and get the low down!