Pixel sizes for web pages

[Barbara Brattin]

We have an escalating argument within our home page committee which will 
only be resolved by gathering learned opinions. Therefore, I come to you 
for learned opinions. We are developing a new and improved web site as a 
team. Some team members believe very strongly that the pages should be 
created to be viewed within the 800x600 pixel setting. Their argument is, 
the higher resolution is becoming a standard for commercial sites. Along 
with this argument, they request that all monitors within the library be 
set to this resolution. Frankly, I find this resolution to be bordering on 
hard to read, and I have 20/20 vision. The other side says, there are few 
times when we encounter a web page where we have to scroll right to left to 
see the contents (Infotrac is the main offender)  and seeing that we are 
concerned with visually challenged patron access, why would we reduce the 
font size for the few times that we need to adjust? They claim that 800x600 
is not the new standard, and that 640x480 is where we should be.  I'm 
interested in hearing from all you webmasters- what size pixel are you 
designing your pages for? Why? Does anyone really know what the new 
standard is? Thanks for your help!