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MPs online: an evaluative study of MPs' use of web sites

Lauren Goodchild (Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)
Charles Oppenheim (Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)
Marigold Cleeve (Department of Information Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK)

Aslib Proceedings

ISSN: 0001-253X

Article publication date: 20 November 2007

603

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the content and usability of a sample of 50 UK MPs' web sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Score 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.

Findings

The 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/implications

Not every MP's web site was evaluated, nor was every MP approached regarding their attitude to web sites.

Practical implications

A 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/value

This is the latest such survey for a number of years.

Keywords

Citation

Goodchild, L., Oppenheim, C. and Cleeve, M. (2007), "MPs online: an evaluative study of MPs' use of web sites", Aslib Proceedings, Vol. 59 No. 6, pp. 565-587. https://doi.org/10.1108/00012530710839632

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Company

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