General Information
1. What areas of the redesigned site will be updated (e.g., news, photos, horoscopes, products, reviews) and how often (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually)?
It is expected that all areas of the redesigned site will be updated, albeit with widely varying frequencies. Many sections will be updated on an almost daily basis (e.g. press releases) whilst others will only be updated as a result of periodic content reviews. The majority of the site content will be updated as and when required on a frequency somewhere between weekly and quarterly. There will also be database-driven online services which will have up-to-the-minute updates (e.g. library catalogue).
2. Describe the maintenance team and individual responsibilities and time allocation, if known (Full time? Part time? Split jobs?)
The central web team includes an overall content editor who will work full-time on regularly updating the site and supporting site editors in their more specific content management role. A large number of site editors (there are currently 60 to 70) will have specific responsibility for individual sections. This will generally only be a small part of their job role and the amount of time dedicated to content management will be variable. It may be worth considering a review of job descriptions for some or all of the site editors
3. How will the site be updated? Will you be inputting content manually into HTML files? Will you be using a content management system to dynamically update and deploy content (useful, for example, in the management of e-commerce inventory or text-publishing databases)? If using a content management system, please describe in detail.
A content management system (CMS) will be deployed as part of the redesign. This is seen as central to the ongoing success of the site as an information source. It is recognised that the quality, accuracy and timeliness of site content is crucial in raising audience confidence and, therefore, use of the site. The CMS should employ all the standard functionality of such systems including content publishing workflow, content templates, easy maintenance of site structure etc.
4. Who is responsible for maintaining the site from a technical standpoint, and what is this person's technical expertise level? What experience and capabilities does he or she have? Will the person require training?
Much of the technical maintenance is carried out by the web developer, in conjunction with various members of the infrastructure support section. The technical management of the site is to be the subject of a future review which will cover all aspects of hosting and server maintenance. While this review may lead to major changes in the hosting arrangements it is not felt that this should hold back the redesign work at this stage.
5. Who is responsible for making graphic changes on the site? Will the person be using existing design templates when making changes or additions? What is his or her design expertise level?
The central web team, in particular the web developer and content editor, will make graphic changes on the site. It is not expected that major changes will be made to the design once the new site is launched therefore existing templates will be employed as much as possible. The web team has a reasonable level of design expertise but it is expected that external designers will be used to augment the skills and experience of the internal team.
Content Creation
1. Who is responsible for creating the content for the site? Is this person able to dedicate part- or full-time resources to content creation?
The majority of site content is originally created by content authors across the organisation. In some cases authors are also site editors who approve the content and either publish this themselves in the CMS or pass it on the central web team for publishing. Almost without exception content authors can only dedicate a small part of their time to this task.
2. Who is responsible for approving look-and-feel changes (as the site expands) to ensure that the quality of the site is maintained?
The central web team, and the Internet Project Leader in particular, will authorise changes to the look-and-feel.
3. How often will new sections or areas be added to the site? Will they be based on the existing site's template or be independent sections?
An extensive content review, and subsequent developments, have taken place in the last 12 months. However, it is recognised that there will still be a constant requirement to integrate new sections. The presumption will always be that new sections will be developed using existing site templates.
Production Expertise
1. What technological expertise is necessary to update the site (basic HTML knowedlge, light scripting knowledge)?
It is hoped that very little technical expertise will be required on the part of content authors and/or editors. It is recognised that it may be necessary for some or all CMS users to have some basic training in the use of style tagging within content to fully leverage the use of standards compliant HTML code. This will be kept to a minimum and avoided wherever possible.
2. Is there an automated process of changing content on the home page (an automatic refresh of images or text each time a person comes to the site, a randomly generated quote, or a date change)?
The current home page employs some automatic content update methods to display current press releases along with some random elements such a site advert and Aberdeenshire fact. The new home page should extend such automatic methods to enhance the breadth of dynamic content available.
Promotion
1. How will the user know the site has been updated? Will there be email announcements or specials tied into the site updates?
In addition to the current What's New section we intend to launch an email alert service. Continued and enhanced use of site advertising will highlight major site updates. Improved management of cross-site linking will more readily expose users to related pages on the site.
2. Who is responsible for continued search engine and keyword updates and submissions? How often will keywords and META tags be revised?
The central web team will be responsible for maintaining search engine placement and overall keyword updates. Site editors will be responsible for keywords and META tags for, and within, individual sections. The CMS should facilitate the easy creation and maintenance of these META tags if at all possible.
