Handbook for quality in cultural Web sites
Improving quality for citizens

Table of contents

Credits

Preface and background

Introduction

1 Definitions, principles and basic recommendations

1.1 Definitions

  1.1.1 Cultural Entity (CE)
      1.1.1.1 Identity
      1.1.1.2 Categories
      1.1.1.3 Goals
  1.1.2 Cultural Web Application (CWA)
      1.1.2.1 Goals
  1.1.3 Users
      1.1.3.1 User Needs

1.2 Fundamentals

  1.2.1 Promote a widespread diffusion of culture
  1.2.2 Exploit the effectiveness of new means of communication
  1.2.3 Adopt an intelligent use of the Web
  1.2.4 Conceive quality as the result of interaction among cultural entities and users

1.3 Policies and strategy: some recommendations

  1.3.1 Portals and cultural networks
  1.3.2 Recognisability and visibility of the quality-evaluation
  1.3.3 Co-ordination of internal and external information flow
  1.3.4 Cross-over between various channels of communication
  1.3.5 Planning, development and management of a Cultural Web Application
  1.3.6 Respect of Copyright (IPR) and privacy in contents
  1.3.7 Long-term preservation of Web contents

2 Quality in Web Applications: general principles and operative proposal

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Accessibility of contents

  2.2.1 Disability
  2.2.2 How do disabled people use the Web?
  2.2.3 The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
  2.2.4 Indications of the European Union
       

2.3 Usability

  2.3.1 Definition and methodology
  2.3.2 Principles of Usability

2.4 Criteria of Usability for Cultural Web Applications (CWA)

  2.4.1 Make contents perceivable
  2.4.2 Recognise that the site is a Cultural Web Application
  2.4.3 Recognise the aims of the site
  2.4.4 Gain a general impression of the site before proceeding to a detailed visit.
  2.4.5 Be able to exploit quality contents
  2.4.6 Presentation of Contents
      2.4.6.1 Functional layout
      2.4.6.2 Functional graphic elements
      2.4.6.3 Functional multimedia elements
  2.4.7 Site Navigation
  2.4.8 Searching

2.5 Patterns and the language of Patterns

  2.5.1 Definitions
  2.5.2. The Catalogue of Patterns
  2.5.3 How to consult Patterns
  2.5.4 An example of the use of the Catalogue of Patterns

3 Minerva quality framework for Cultural Web Applications

3.1 Considerations

3.2 Goals of the Cultural Web Application: definitions

  3.2.1 Presentation of the identity of the Cultural Entity
  3.2.2 Transparency on the activities of the Cultural Entity
  3.2.3 Transparency on the mission of the Cultural Web Application
  3.2.4 Efficiency in the sector networks
  3.2.5 Presentation of standards and regulations of the sector
  3.2.6 Spreading of cultural content
  3.2.7 Support of cultural tourism
  3.2.8 Offer of educational services
  3.2.9 Offer of services of scientific research
  3.2.10 Offer of services to specialists in the sector
  3.2.11 Offer of services of reservation and acquisition of goods
  3.2.12 Promotion of Web communities in the sector

3.3 Specific description of the Cultural Web Application according to Cultural Entity categories

  3.3.1 Archives
  3.3.2 Libraries
  3.3.3 Cultural heritage diffused on territory
  3.3.4 Museums
  3.3.5 Institutes for administration and safeguarding
  3.3.6 Centres for research and education
  3.3.7 Cultural projects
  3.3.8 Temporary exhibitions

Appendices

Appendix 1. Cross References with other Minerva Working Groups

Appendix 2. Catalogue of Patterns

Appendix 3. How to use the Handbook? Tables of examples

• Example # 1 - Planning the Website of an Archive
• Example # 2 - Planning the Website of a Library
• Example # 3 - Planning the Website of a Museum

Appendix 4. Directory of national rules on Web Applications

• Foreword (Definition and goals, Structure and criteria, Methodology and sources, Critical remarks)
• European rules
• Member States rules
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • The Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • United Kingdom
• International documents

Checklist of Checkpoints for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0

List of abbreviations

Bibliography and references