Review of International Ocean Project Web sites SCOR Summit of International Marine Research Projects London, UK 7-9 December 2006

The Sloan Foundation requested in its grant to SCOR for the Project Summit that we devote part of the funding to a review of project Web sites: “One analysis would be of the Web sites of the major programs from the point of view of how they might improved to create more synergies and a clearer overall impression.” Elizabeth Gross, the SCOR Finance Office and former SCOR Executive Director, was asked to do the review, with the purpose of offering feedback to SCOR-related projects as to how they could improve the usefulness of their Web sites. “The idea of this review was not to rank Web sites in comparison with each other - i.e., this is not a contest - but to identify general problems and areas where Web sites could be strengthened to improve their usefulness to a targeted scientific audience and to the ocean science community as a whole. “

General Areas for Web site Improvements Many of the Web sites do not fit on a standard 800 by 600 pixel screen, so that a user is constantly forced to scroll from side to side to find things. This also can create a problem when the Web page is printed, with text running off the right side of the page. Few programs are using their Web sites to promote real science highlights. Basic information about the project should appear on the front page and not only in an attached document. Major topic headings can be misleading.

Suggestions for Major Web Site Sections  About [project name] - for general background information about the project  Organization - for structural and administrative information  Science - recent research highlights (excitement!) and more detail on the scientific program - here it would be appropriate to link to sections of a detailed Science Plan.  Data - separate from the Science section. Should include a clear statement on data management policy, clear information as to how to get data from the program, information on cruises, metadata, contacts, etc.  Contact information - IPO, not the SSC members Calendar - for lists of meetings and other events News  Publications (or Products) - can include presentation materials, newsletters, reports