Penn State University Libraries - Web Steering Standards and Guidelines

CONTENT

• Each library and department should include a link to the staff directory.
• Search for existing content before creating new content
• Reuse content instead of recreating content.
• Link to pages already created.
• Re-use paragraphs from within the CMS.
• Use blue circle icon to link to database descriptions; available in Media Library.
• Use annotations only to supplement existing descriptions, using phrases, not complete sentences.
• Emphasize resources rather than narrative.
• Use visuals when possible.

CAROUSEL

• The carousel should have at least 5 images running at one time.
• Images should be changed at least once a week.
• Images should be reordered frequently to keep the information fresh.
• When events expire, images should be removed.

COLLABORATION

• Collaborate instead of duplicating resources and content.
• Design pages for ALL PSU locations. If information for just one location is unavoidable, make that clear.
• Identify partners to modify existing content that can satisfy all interested parties.

STYLE

• Use five Ws: Who? / What? / When? / Where? / Why? ...and the H: How?
• Organize content; use white space effectively.
• Place your most important content first. Users scan content—they do not read.
• Use consistent grammatical structure [first person, singular v. plural, gerunds, etc.].
• Use active verbs for content; use passive verbs for headings and titles.
• Create Lists, not long passages
• Use bulleted lists for unordered information
• Use numbered lists for steps

CREATING LINKS

• Make all internal links through browsing the CMS structure – do not type in a URL.
• Links to Intranet sites should be followed by "staff only" in parentheses. (staff only)
• Do not link to sections (or individual pages) within tutorials.
• Link DAM files within the context of the page, NOT in the left navigation bar.
• Link to CAT records instead of using call numbers/locations
• See http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/lls/librarians/angel_subj_guides/dynamic_links_CAT.html (staff only)
• Use URLs from the DLT e-resources list
• See: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/databases/resfast.html
• Use existing database descriptions
• See: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/databases.html
• Use Forms for email contacts, don't use "mailto" URLS.
• See: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/groups/cms/cmstraining/manual/forms.html (staff only)

RESEARCH GUIDES

• "Articles and Databases" is the first content section for Research Guides, where databases are appropriate. If none, state: "No Specifice Databases."
• Create all content using CMS web pages. Use .PDF files for printable handouts only.
• For database / resource ‘how to’ guides, use materials available on vendor web sites [assuming quality and currency.]
• Use content developed by Penn State first instead of by other institutions. If Penn State content does not exist, create it.
• Use PSU resources first; freely available resources second.
• Rank resources in order of your recommendation, not alphabetically.
• Images must come from the DAM (Digital Asset Manager).
• Do not use terms “fasttrack” or “LIAS.”

USE OF ANIMATION/MULTIMEDIA ON TOP LEVEL OR DEPARTMENTAL PAGES

• Movies should not loop continuously and stop after one loop.
• Primary page content should remain above the fold, based on 1024 x 768 screen resolution.
• Major content should not be presented only in animation/multimedia (i.e., Flash).
• Animation/multimedia should not degrade or impact page and content accessibility and usability.