Site Maps and A–Z Indexes

What It Is

Having a site map or A-Z subject index is one of the best practices for managing your agency’s website. The public expects to see this type of directory on your site so they can get a quick overview of the scope of your site and the major content categories.

Why It’s Important

Unlike books or magazines, a website doesn’t give instant cues to the depth and extent of the content available.
A site map or subject index can serve as a “table of contents” for your website. It can give visitors a quick and easy way to find what they need, even on small websites.
Although search and a good homepage can help users quickly access your content, it’s no substitute for a clear, well-organized display of your site's major contents.
Usability testing on the terms "Site Map" and "A-Z Index" show that the public is familiar with, and understands, these terms and prefer them over other terminology.

Specific Policy, Legal or Other Requirements for Doing This

Having a site map or subject index is a best practice, not a requirement. However, there are 2 sections of the OMB Policies for Federal Agency Public Websites that require you to disseminate information in an efficient way and assist the public to locate government information:

Section 1A: “disseminate information to the public in a timely, equitable, efficient and appropriate manner,”
Section 5A & B: “assist the public in locating government information” and “agencies may determine in limited circumstances (e.g., for small websites) site maps or subject indexes are more effective than a typical search function.”

By providing a site map or subject index, you can help the public quickly and efficiently find the information they need, and ensure that they have multiple ways to find it.

How to Implement

What to include:
- Your site map or subject index doesn’t need to be as extensive or detailed as a book index. Visitors can always use your search engine to find more obscure references to a keyword.
- Use terms on your site map and subject index that your visitors commonly use. Review common search terms and frequently asked questions to help build your index.
What to call it: Usability testing on the terms "Site Map" and "A-Z Index" show that the public is familiar with, and understands, these terms and prefer them over other terminology.
Where to put it:
- The public expects to see a link to your site map or subject index from every page of your website. If that’s not feasible, at least provide a link from your homepage and every major entry point.
- Usability testing and research has shown that most people look for links to site maps and subject indexes in the top navigation bar or banner area. But you can consider putting the link in the bottom navigation bar or footer area of your site if you find that’s more appropriate to your users.
Recommended URL: It’s helpful if government agencies use the same URL naming conventions for similar content. For sitemaps, use: “ your agency.gov/sitemap.” (we’re considering a recommended URL for A-Z indexes).
Update Regularly: Establish a schedule or process for reviewing and updating your site map or subject index. Keep these pages current so they are useful to your audience. If you use an automated content management system (CMS), make sure changes to major content categories are automatically updated on your site map.

Examples

National Archives and Records Administration
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Department of Commerce
CDC (Subject Index)

Many federal public websites follow this best practice. This practice is part of the guidelines and best practices published by the Interagency Committee on Government Information to aid agencies' implementation of OMB Policies for Public Websites.

Page Updated or Reviewed: December 14, 2005