Archived Event

Issues and Opportunities in Web Site Analytics for Libraries

Date : Mar 22, 2005
Start Time : 11 a.m. Eastern
Length : 00:57:29

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This Dynix Institute Seminar explores issues and opportunities in Web site analytics, viewed from the perspective of libraries, covering three basic areas with examples and explanations.

The first topic is a review of the reasons that specific information about Web site visitor behavior is important. Most professionals involved in Web site development or management know that Web logs are often large files that are difficult to manipulate quickly and easily. Many organizations discover that when log files grow in size, it is possible to overwrite or incorrectly archive these files. The result is a data gap. Missing data can be avoided, and this seminar will provide several tips and tricks for keeping Web log data in chronological order and free from common errors.

The second topic is an overview of three popular Web site analysis tools: WebTrends, WebSide Story, and AW Stats. Of particular interest will be the discussion of the special features each system offers. These commercial and Open Source solutions provide a wide range of information. In the seminar, Mr. Arnold will describe five specific metrics that can provide useful insight into user behavior without resorting to customized programming or expensive manual analyses.

The final topic is a discussion of the four payoffs that a library can expect to receive from better analysis of Web logs, user behavior, and Web site usage. These benefits provide an ideal platform for creating more compelling cost justification and budget request documents. Mr. Arnold's suggestions are pragmatic and will resonate with information professionals who need direct, to-the-point ideas for crafting Web sites that meet staff needs and exceed user expectations.

Stephen E. Arnold ?Arnold Information Technology

Stephen is a technology and financial analyst with more than 30 years of experience. With extensive operational and entrepreneurial experience, he has been able to bridge the gap between new ideas and the consequences of implementing new technologies throughout his career.

Since graduating from college, he has worked in all aspects of software and online systems. He is the author of six books and more than 50 journal articles. Additionally, he writes a monthly column about emerging technologies for the London-based Information World Review newspaper.

Over the past 13 years, Mr. Arnold has provided technical, financial, and strategic support for many technology projects. In 1993, he and a partner started Point of the Internet, selling that property to Lycos, Inc. in 1996. Since that time, Mr. Arnold has been involved in a number of projects related to Internet technology, including the personalization tools used in the original @Home service.

In 2000, he helped develop the plan, architecture, and security guidelines for First-Gov.gov, the official gateway to U.S. governmental information (now one of the 10 highest traffic sites in North America). He was a member of the planning team for USWest's electronic yellow pages, has assisted organizations worldwide with technology strategy related to new products and revenue opportunities, and has sat as an expert witness in trial proceedings related to Internet security and Web analytics.

In November 2003, Stephen received an award for his contributions to online information from the New York State Library Association.