[Web4lib] Hyperlinks to other locations

[Robert L. Balliot]

I think it depends on the function of the pages you are linking from/to.

If you had some sort of online registration and the links support filling 
out a form, then it is good to keep the current page active.

If the information follows an research pathway, I think it is better to
let the patron decide if they want to open in a new window or tab. They can
always return via the back button.  If they are doing research and end up
with many open windows and tabs, it can get pretty messy for most browsers.

>From a commercial standpoint, you would generally want to keep the customer
on your site through conversion to a sale.  So, a new tab or window would
generally be preferred. The processed is ultimately focused on the cart and
order forms - similar to an online registration.

*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
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-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Jennifer O'Donnell
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2010 3:41 PM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Hyperlinks to other locations

Hello All,

Sorry for the cross-posting. We are currently transferring our website to
Drupal.  We have many hyperlinks that direct patrons from our website to
other locations/sites.  We are trying to determine whether these outside
sites should open in the same window or whether a new window/tab should be
created.  As a new librarian, I am wondering whether current practice
suggests one practice over the other?

Sincerely,

Jennifer
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