Best Website Award Criteria

Since 2002, GSIS has presented an award for Best Geoscience Website. All sites related to the geological sciences are eligible. These include scholarly sites and those geared toward the general public. In addition, both free and subscription-based sites will be considered, although preference will be given to sites with significant free content. View Previous Award winning sites.

Sites will be reviewed by the GSIS Website Advisory Committee based on the following criteria:

Content

  • usefulness and quality of content
  • originality or uniqueness of components
  • authority
  • currency
  • scope and comprehensiveness

Technical Considerations

  • browser compatibility
  • link integrity
  • speed and reliability
  • effective integration of any advanced features
  • accessibility for those using assisted technologies

Design and Organization

  • user friendliness
  • intuitive layout and ease of navigation
  • graphics
  • creativity

Overall Site Effectiveness

  • clear goals and purpose
  • appropriateness for audience
  • broad appeal
  • innovative thinking
  • attention to detail
  • reason to return