No subject

[Chan, Ian]

If you are using a two column layout with the left column for navigational elements, absolute positioning allows you to place the code for left menu after the primary content of the page.

For individuals reading your page by way of a screen-reader, this gives them access the primary content prior to reading through the site-wide navigation.  If users navigate multiple pages on your site, they might appreciate not reading the site navigation repeatedly.  You might also circumvent this issue by placing a hidden 'skip to content' link.

Absolute positioning may vary depending on the user's browser. We address this issue by using a script to select the linking of style sheets based on user-agent detection.

We also include a style sheet link specific to handhelds.  This style sheet removes the fixed positioning and allows the content to find a PDA screen.

Float works nicely because the layers can move dynamically depending on the width of the user's browser window.  I've typically used them for pages with menus on the right-side of the page.  

Regards,

Ian Chan
Librarian 
Seattle Central Community College
http://dept.sccd.ctc.edu/cclib/



-----Original Message-----
From: John Fitzgibbon
To: Multiple recipients of list
Sent: 9/6/2004 11:15 AM
Subject: [WEB4LIB] absolute positioning versus floating

Hi,

When creating a side bar on the left side of a web page is it best to
create the side bar by absolutely positioning a div zero pixels from the
left and zero pixels from the top or is it best to create the sidebar by
having the DIV float to the left?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Regards
John

************************************************
This e-mail and any attachment contain information
which is private and confidential and is intended
for the addressee only.  If you are not an addressee,
you are not authorised to read, copy or use the e-mail
or any attachment.  If you have received this e-mail in error,
please notify the sender by return e-mail and then destroy it.
**************************************************************

########################################################################
#############

This email has been scanned by MailMarshal, an email content filter.
Hosted by Galway County Council  
########################################################################
#############