Before You Start
Before starting to author content for the Web site it is important to check responsibilities.
The University Web site is a large system of Web sites maintained by dozens of
staff from different departments.
You might be one of the many people responsible for your departments Web
site. It is also possible that someone else is already responsible for the
content you want to create or change. The
Webmaster can help find out who
does what, advising you where to get started.
You will need access to the ITS Test Web server and can get that by
completing a
Further Privileges Form. Webmaster will provide access and will advise you
of who is responsible for migrating content to the Live Web server.
You need to know about the ITS Hosting Conditions.
They explain many of the technical constraints, Web responsibilities and
expected behaviour of University Web Authors and Developers.
The HRM Division provide
training
to University staff on how to publish Web content using the University
Web Templates. These run regularly throughout the year. WebTeam recommend that
all Web Authors and Developers attend the training course 'Dreamweaver & Web
Templates'.
Tools & Technology
In theory, all it takes is a text editor to publish content or develop an
Internet system. However, Best Practice involves the use of a range of tools and
technologies.
The University has licences for WYSWIG authoring software, content management
tools, and the WebTeam can provide a range of Useful
Utilities to help with Web development tasks.
Contact your
University Computer Consultant to have software programs installed. Contact
the WebTeam to learn more about the Useful Utilities
and other technologies that are available for use.
Routine Duties
Creating new content is only part of the responsibilities of a Web author.
There are other tasks which need to be performed on a routine basis to keep any
Web page or Web site alive. The following list are the WebTeam's Top 5:
- Responding to email from Web site users.
- Fixing the dreaded 404 errors caused by broken links and deleted
files.
- Improving ease-of-use, specifically findability and readability.
- Analysing Log Reports.
- Reviewing and updating existing content and metadata.
Support Services
The WebTeam provides a range of services and
reference material to support anyone that is authoring
content or developing Internet Systems for the University. Email Webmaster or
contact WebTeam as early as possible to advise us of your plans or to request
our assistance.
To find out more about what we do, or enquire about how we can help with your
particular circumstances -
email the
Webmaster.
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