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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the content and usability of a sample of 50 UK MPs' web sites.Design/methodology/approachScore sheets were developed for the evaluation of web sites based on an extensive review of the relevant literature. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all MPs who had a web site at the time of the research.FindingsThe web sites in general scored poorly in terms of content and usability. Liberal Democrats' web sites scored the highest overall. The main reason why MPs set up web sites was to improve communications with their constituents. However, many MPs had problems finding the time and funds to set up and maintain their web sites. There is a growing interest in interactive web sites.Research limitations/implicationsNot every MP's web site was evaluated, nor was every MP approached regarding their attitude to web sites.Practical implicationsA series of recommendations on how MPs can improve their web sites is provided. It is clear that MPs' web sites are a long way from being ideal. Funding issues need to be addressed.Originality/valueThis is the latest such survey for a number of years.

PurposeIn recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this paper is to describe an initiative to promote an evidence‐based approach to library management in a UK county library service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper gives a definition of evidence‐based librarianship and describes how a three‐year study put evidence‐based management (EBM) principles into practice, and the implications for the staff and service as a whole.FindingsAn evidence‐based approach to library management yields considerable benefits in terms of service delivery and staff attitudes to data handling. When staff understand the purpose and benefits of collecting data and have the skills to handle evidence, they are more inclined to take ownership of these processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to one public library authority in the UK. A key priority for future work is the exploration of how the experience gained in this initiative may be transferred to other library services and domains.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this work are widespread across the service. Staff at all levels seem to have greater awareness of the data collection process and how evidence can be used to inform decisions, both in the day‐to‐day running of the service and in the strategic planning process. The project culminated in the formulation of a performance management resource; a single point of reference for all staff involved in data handling and decision making.Originality/valueA practical study of evidence‐based librarianship has never before been undertaken on this scale in the UK.

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -To analyse and investigate the use of online glossaries of library terminology. Design/methodology/approach -Analysis of glossaries; questionnaire survey. Findings -Library glossaries broadly serve the same purpose, but there is considerable variation in their length, design, currency, and the terms they contain. Library users generally have little input into what glossaries contain and many librarians are uncertain as to whether glossaries are used or useful.Research limitations/implications -Further research is necessary to establish whether the effort involved in creating such glossaries is worthwhile. Practical implications -Better strategies for helping library users to understand library jargon are needed. Originality/value -This paper highlights the increasing number of university libraries with online glossaries.