Option 4: Adding Links to External Resources

This is similar to Option 3, but in addition to breaking the report into smaller sections, you can also add links to external resources to add value to the Web presentation. For example, if the report references another report or an outside agency, link to that Web site. This takes full advantage of what the Web has to offer.

How To

1. Break the report up into smaller sections or chapters.
2. Save each chapter as a separate Web page.
3. The two previous steps are optional; you can add links to one long document, but it is not recommeneded.
4. Using your favorite Web editor or good old-fashioned HTML, create links to external resources as appropriate. If you do this, dedicate some time to search for available resources to link to.
5. Upload all of your pages to the Web server.

Advantages

• Takes full advantage of the Web by hyperlinking to related resources. Good solution for presentation on the Web because it is easy to navigate and reduces scrolling
• Allows people to view and/or print just the sections of the report that they want
• Because the documents are broken up into smaller sections, the Web pages load more quickly

Disadvantages

• Time consuming; long document must be broken up into smaller pieces and links created between the pieces.
• Requires maintenace to ensure that the links to external sources are still valid and appropriate.
• Usually requires some knowledge of HTML or a Web authoring tool like FrontPage or Dreamweaver.
• Not as easy to print the entire report at one time.