Standard: Area Name
Brief description
(see the full document below for details)
The area name helps readers know whrere they are within EPA's Web site.
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All standards and guidance
Definitions
The area name is the text at the top of the page that shows the topic of the set of pages that includes the current page.
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Content requirements
- Choose an area name that reflects the area's topic, not the organization providing the information.
- The area name must accurately portray the scope of the information covered.
- Use the same area name on all pages within an area.
Regional area names must include the Region's identifier (either name - "New England," or number - "Region10").
- Do not include the names of organizational units other than Regions, unless the organization itself is the subject of the area.
- While meeting the requirements above, keep area names as short as possible.
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Style requirements
- EPA styles are applied when the Area Name is added where indicated (WebCMS or template)
- Use initial capital letters; do not use all upper or lower case.
- When the area name contains an acronym, spell the term or name out and put the acronym at the end in parentheses. You may then use the acronym in the text and sidebars without spelling it out.
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How to
Choose an area name that reflects the area's topic, not the organization providing the information.
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Examples
- "Grants & Funding in the Mid-Atlantic States" instead of "Grants" makes it clear that the area isn't about grants in general. "Region 5 Toxics" clearly covers toxics in only one Region.
- "Management of Scrap Tires" instead of "Tires" better defines the subject.
- "Cruise Ship Water Discharges" instead of "Cruise Ships" shows the area is about one specific aspect of EPA's regulation of cruise ships; it doesn't include air quality, waste handling, etc.
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Rationale
The area name defines where a visitor is on the EPA site. The combination of a stable area name and sidebar help readers know they have not jumped to a new subject. Area names reflect subjects, not organizations, because that is how readers look for information. Entire areas about organizations are appropriate only when there is a lot of material about an organization.
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Exemptions
None.
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Related governance documents
EPA
Related Policies
Related Procedures
Related Standards
Related Guidance
Non-EPA
None
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Full Metadata about this standard
Name Area Name
Tracking number NT00000000
Type Standard
Required or Recommended Required
Effective date 03/28/2009
Date approved 03/28/2009
Category Area Setup, Page Elements
Web Council review by 09/05/2008 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)
Governing Policy Web Governance and Management (PDF) (4 pp, 339K, About PDF)
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