1. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk UKOLN is supported by: UKOLN/TechDis Workshop For RSC South East: QA For Web Sites Brian Kelly UKOLN University of Bath Bath Email B.Kelly@ukoln.ac.uk URL http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/

2. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 2 Approaches To Fixing Errors We've found errors on our Web site. What should we do? Fix the errors straight away Inform the page maintainer Do nothing – too many other more important things to do Do nothing – the Web site has been "published" and I don't rewrite history Do nothing – it's not my problem, it's a problem caused by the HTML authoring tool everyone uses …

3. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 3 A QA Approach Quality Control: Fixing errors Fire-fighting Quality Assurance (QA): Documented policies Systematic procedures for monitoring compliance Considering workflow processes Fixing processes so errors won't reappear Audit trails

4. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 4 QA Focus QA Focus: JISC-funded project to support JISC's digital library programme Supports QA development which help ensure deliverables are usable & interoperable QA Focus Deliverables: Surveys Advisory documents Case studies Descriptions of tools Policies Self-assessment toolkit

5. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 5 Documentation: Advice Advisory briefing documents are being produced These are: Brief, focussed documents Informed by findings of the surveys Advisory briefing documents are being produced These are: Brief, focussed documents Informed by findings of the surveys MG

6. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 6 Documentation: Case Studies Case Studies are being commissioned These are: Written by projects themselves Describe the solution adopted to a particular problem Include details of lessons learnt – not just a press release! Case Studies are being commissioned These are: Written by projects themselves Describe the solution adopted to a particular problem Include details of lessons learnt – not just a press release!

7. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 7 Self Assessment Toolkit Further Deliverables We have developed a self-assessment toolkit The toolkit consists of: Examples of QA procedures Documented examples of use of testing tools Self-assessment questionnaires Advice on standards and best practices Case studies FAQs … MG

8. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 8 Useful Approach To Tools As an example of approach which provides easier access to testing tools, see the,tools approach deployed on UKOLN Web site. This approach: Applies to all resources on Web site Covers HTML and CSS validation and various other tests Some recursive apps (,rvalidate ) Easily implemented with single line redirect As an example of approach which provides easier access to testing tools, see the,tools approach deployed on UKOLN Web site. This approach: Applies to all resources on Web site Covers HTML and CSS validation and various other tests Some recursive apps (,rvalidate ) Easily implemented with single line redirect

9. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 9 Policies How do you know what you should do if you don't have documented polices? Policy: Web Standards Standard: XHTML 1.0 and CSS 2.0 Architecture: Use of SSIs and text editor Exceptions: Automatically-derived files Checking: Use,validate after update Audit Trail: Use,rvalidate monthly and document findings Policy example You may find it useful to develop similar policies yourself – for example, a policy of the accessibility of your Web site

10. A centre of expertise in digital information managementwww.ukoln.ac.uk 10 Application To FE Sector Issues: Is the QA Focus methodology applicable to your Web site? Are the QA Focus resources of use? What additional areas would you find useful?