Know Your User

• Identify your users before getting started. Is the audience for your Web page UM Libraries' staff, students, or faculty?
  
  
• Design with users in mind. Anticipate which links and information will be important to your users, and put those things at the top of the page. Include layperson's definitions for technical or librarian terminology. Spell out acronyms when first used.
  
  
• Use HTML for online reading, PDF for printing. If you do want to include a printable version of your Web page content in PDF format, always warn users by putting [PDF] next to the link.
  
  
• If you use images, keep them small. Be kind to users with a slower connection: make an effort to use images sparingly (see also Images).
  
  
• Conduct user studies to gather feedback on the effectiveness of your Web pages at communicating with your target audience. E-mail webservices@itd.umd.edu for guidance.