Regional Information Center for Science & Technology
Abstract
University websites play an important role in disseminating educational and research information to universities. They are a vital port for accessing the universities' scientific information for researchers, faculty members, and students. The goal of this study was to compare evaluation methods such as Web Assessment Index (WAI), Web Quality Evaluation Method (WebQEM), and webometrics for evaluating Iranian state university websites. In this analytical survey, the data collection tools were checklists prepared by the WebQEM ,WAI, and webometrics. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and analytic statistics (Spearman's rank-difference correlation coefficient) were used for data analysis. The results indicated that Iranian state university websites were in a good condition (mean=75.14) according to four main criteria in WebQEM, in a good condition (mean=69.52) according to five main criteria in WAI, and in a very good condition (mean=88) according to five main criteria in webometrics. Also, differences can be seen in ranking of university websites. Only Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was in first place in terms of the three assessment methods. The hypotheses assumed that there was a positive correlation between WebQEM, WAI, and webometrics. Using the results of this study could help university website designers to fix weaknesses in order to to reach an active participation in these website
