SocioWeb bills itself as “your independent guide to sociological resources on the Internet.” Its author’s intent is to use the Internet to unite the sociological community. This Web site receives no outside funding and is basically supported by the efforts of one man, Mark Blair. Blair is a graduate of sociology from Sonoma State University and a partner in a California‐based Web development team.
Originally launched in October 1995, this site underwent a major architecture and design overhaul in July 1997. Currently, this site is set up in a simple table format that allows users to quickly see what is available. The use of javascript helps users keep track of where they are as they navigate the site. The site is basically divided into four main areas, The Front Page, Community, Bookstore, and Overview.
The Community area offers users an opportunity to join a sociology chat room. The Bookstore allows them to connect directly to Amazon.com to order books highlighted on this page; and the Overview area simply explains the site’s premise and background. The Front Page, is the most useful area for researchers and librarians.
From SocioWeb’s Front Page, it is obvious that users may choose to Search the SocioWeb by keyword or to Explore the SocioWeb by Category. The Search option works best if very broad search terms are used. This search feature searches only keywords in link titles and descriptions from the site’s category listings. When attempting narrower keyword searches, such as “poverty” or “urban,” no matching categories or sites are found.
The Explore by Category area is subdivided into 12 topic areas. Some of these areas are very well developed, leading to a multitude of sociological resources. Perhaps the most inclusive category is University Departments. Here you find links to sociology departments from around the world. However, other categories, such as Sociological Theory, which lists only one site link, look as if they are still under construction. Additional topic areas include ’Net Indexes & Guides, Journals & ’Zines, Sociological Associations, and Surveys and Statistics.
Above the categorical listing, SocioWeb offers the disclaimer “new listings were added on 2/13/98.” Does this mean that this site has not been updated in over a year? Indeed, more than half of the links in the ’Net Indexes & Guides section are broken. The site’s maintainer may be relying on his users to supply updated and new URLs by offering them an opportunity to add or change a listing in each topical area. The author even gives users a chance to receive e‐mail alerts concerning the latest developments and newest features at SocioWeb. Though it is difficult to determine how successful these features have been, since the site still needs updating.
Overall, the site is to be applauded for its clarity and design; but there exist serious reservations about site maintenance. The premise behind the site for providing a place for members of the sociological community to interact is a good one. However, judging from the lack of suggested titles and writings and the site’s poor link maintenance, it seems few from this community have become very involved.
