Examination of the University of Canterbury web site to determine trends in usage and methods of access to the site

Abstract

This project examines University of Canterbury Library web site statistics between July 1998 and December 1999. To determine which Internet browsers, Search Engine robots and their associated software platforms accessed the site, using a daily snapshot programme. Individual web page count data and location of the users accessing the data are also examined. A high proportion of users of the site used the latest versions of the browsers. Netscape Navigator browsers were most likely to be used to access the site. Use of Netscape Communicator 4 increased more than use of other browser during the period. University of Canterbury campus users were most likely to use the site (65% of users). A total of 86% of users were located in New Zealand. United States visitors made up 8% of the total number of users the highest international country category. The data pointed to 7% of users accessing the site through the home page with the majority of users (50%) accessing the site through a second level page, suggesting some familiarity with the site.