Content Guidelines
For the complete text of the policy statement, please see "Network and Server Policies," policy no. 6.05.
Checklist
Each major page should include the following information:
- Page author/contact person
- Date of last update
- Organization name
- E-mail address/link for comments
- Links to other appropriate pages
- Link to the Samford University home page
- Appropriate return link to main departmental page within department pages
Each major page may also include:
- Contact name, title and telephone number of a person who is prepared to answer questions about the service, department, etc.
Keep 'Em Coming Back!
Most web page maintainers want repeat visitors. Keep 'em coming back by following these important guidelines:
- Keep the content current.
- Be sure your pages are "browser independent," usable by any common browser, including text-only browsers.
- Try to keep your page size small--not everyone has as fast a connection as we do on campus.
- Use images directly related to the topic of the page. An animated GIF of an opening and closing mailbox may be fun, but does not add to the professional message of a university-related page.
- Use image processing software such as Microsoft Office Picture Manager for resizing photos. Never resize a photo in a web design program such as Dreamweaver; the apparent size changes, but the photo is still as large as when you took it. Not resizing the actual file slows down the loading of the webpage.
- Use small images (thumbnails) linked to larger versions when appropriate and note the file size of the full image beside or below the thumbnail.
- Use the ALT attribute of the IMG tag for those who choose not to load images and for non-graphical browsers. The ALT attribute is especially important for visitors using text-only browsers or screen reader programs.
- Use the WIDTH and HEIGHT attributes of the IMG tag so browsers can display the text before the images are completely downloaded.
- Clip art is copyrighted and you must obtain permission to use it, giving proper credit. Just because you found it on the Internet does not mean it is not copyrighted.
- If a generic name for e-mail response is given on the page, such as "Admission" or "Football," clear assignment of responsibility for replying to e-mails must be in place.
- Obtain permission before linking to someone else's page or including their name as a contact.