Run through our checklist of questions whenever you find a new site to use with readers.

What is it for?

Research has found that visitors take 3 seconds to decide whether it’s one they want.

So is it clear what it’s about?

The main purpose of the site should be very clear and obvious. There shouldn’t be too many confusing options.

Most visitors arrive at a site having been sent there by a search engine. What does the home page assume you are searching for?

Who is it for?

Do they talk about what you want, or about themselves? Visitors will stay if their wants are acknowledged. A lot of sites think that they are talking about themselves, rather than to readers.

Is the design clear? Is the typeface large enough to read in comfort? Is there a pop up advert? These aren’t all bad – sometimes it’s the only way small organisations can afford to be online – but is the advert relevant to readers?

Does the site have a voice? Is there a sense that the site has character? If you can detect a straightforward clear voice on the site, rather than ‘corporation speak ‘or jargon, then it will help the visitor feel welcome and safe. Is this tone consistent right through the site?

How far into the site do you have to go, to find out whether it’s aimed at a particular age range? Can you tell? Do you think the language used is attractive to the age group they are targeting? To go back to the point about voice and honesty, you can always tell when an adult is trying to sound like a teenager. It makes teenagers wince and leave.

Is the site about readers and reading, or is it more about product and purchase? What is the main value for readers in the content of the site?

What’s the point?

Is the navigation easy? Are all the sections visible? Is it easy to return to the Homepage?

What is the added value of the site for readers? They came for one thing – what else could they find?

Is there a chance to contribute to the site? What is the incentive, and where are they asked for their opinion?

Where’s the reader?

Most people like to find sites on which they can find people like them. There are barriers that sites need to overcome to encourage people to leave a contribution, or join in an activity, or sign up to join the site. If you want use sites to encourage readers to exchange reading experiences online, you may need to help them overcome some of those barriers.

Can you easily find reader’s contributions on the site? Are they given prominence, are they an integrated part of the site, or marginal? Are readers’ views respected?

Are you asked to log in to leave a comment? If so, what kind of information do they want? Most sites ask for loads more information than is actually needed – it puts people off. Is there a welcome of some sort when you decide to participate?

If you buy online, is the site secure?

When was the site last updated? If there is a discussion board, when was it last used? Can you tell if the board has a host? Are the rules for the discussion clear? What kind of messages have been left?

Is there some kind of reward for leaving a message? Do you get e-mail notification if someone replies to you? Is there anything online that you would want to send to another reader – a joke, or a good review, or a reading tip?

Does the site keep its promises? If you e-mail them about something, do they reply?

How could you use this site in the library?

Would it be useful in a list of Favourites? As an integral part of a themed promotion? With your Readers group? Material for your Noticeboards? A site to help readers find something different? Does it give you new ideas?

Share your discoveries with us

Email us with your online finds to help us build a collection of useful sites for reader development work in the library and outside it.

Click here for staff training courses in evaluating websites