Standard: Sidebar
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Definitions
The sidebar is the vertical list of links in the left panel of an EPA Web page. Every page within an area uses the same sidebar. Every sidebar offers standard links, and uses standard language for certain kinds of content.
Content requirements
- The left sidebar must be identical on all pages within a Web area.
- All content within an area will use the same area name and sidebar; if one changes, the other must change.
- Use an ampersand (&) in place of "and" or "/"
- Capitalize the first letter of all major words. Do not use all caps.
- Do not use acronyms unless (a) the acronym is more familiar than the phrase the acronym stands for (e.g., "PCBs" is a more familiar term than "polychlorinated biphenyls") or (b) the acronym is explained in the area name at the top of the page (Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Program).
- All text used on the left sidebar must be an active link.
- Links only to pages within the Web area, not any other pages on the EPA site.
- Links prohibited from sidebars:
- Graphics, except for icon links to kids' pages
- Links to the normal "Contact Us" page that provides ways to contact the staff running the Web area.
- NOTE: You may link to lists of program contacts. Label these links with specific descriptions like "State Contacts" as opposed to "Contacts" or "Contact Us." In that case, link back and forth between those other contacts pages and the "Contact Us" page. If you are soliciting comments, then use sidebar language like "Send Comments" or "Comment on the rule" instead of "Contact Us."
- Links to search pages or search boxes
- Links to PDF files.
- The sidebar is part of the EPA look and feel. Do not modify it.
- Do not style sidebar links. Use the EPA style sheet defaults.
- Keep navigation simple.
- Multi-level, hierarchical links are allowed but not encouraged.
- If there is a link to the home page of a higher (overarching) area, then that link should appear directly below the EPA seal, followed by a thin horizontal line, followed by a link to the area's own home page.
- Each heading must be a link, typically to a page providing more context about the options under that heading.
- Indent each lower level link, using HTML <ul> lists.
- Note that the same links must appear in the sidebar on all pages within an area; do not create different sidebar hierarchies for different parts within one area.
- To display different hierarchical links within various parts, create a horizontal task bar or use another navigation scheme. If every part has a substantial hierarchy, consider creating areas for them.
- Standard sidebar language/primary terms: if the following pages are created for a web area, the links in the sidebar are required in the following order:
- A link to the Web area home page. "[Subject] home."
- Basic Information page contains general information about the subject.
- Where You Live provides information related to a particular geographical location or region of the country.
- If no Regional information exists, the Where You Live page is not required.
- Where You Live pages should include a Regional or state-by-state map that links to Regional or local information about the subject.
- Recent Additions lists items most recently added to the Web area in reverse chronological order.
- The Recent Additions page is not required.
- The links described above should appear as the top links in the sidebar in this order:
[Subject] Home
Basic Information
Where You Live (optional)
Recent Additions (optional)
Standard sidebar language: use THIS language if you have this type of link on your page. Do not create new terms to use instead. Use the links in an order appropriate to the topic. Although these terms are displayed alphabetically, they do not need to be listed in your sidebar alphabetically. None of these links are required.
- A to Z Subject Index. Links to subject index for the Web area topic.
- Calendar. More inclusive than upcoming events; includes public notice periods, etc.
- Compliance Help. Information to help industry and individuals comply or remain in compliance with regulatory and non-regulatory requirements. Content may range from plain-language guidance to self-auditing tools to formal regulatory assistance.
- En Espaņol. Not "Spanish". Use if there are Spanish documents on the topic.
- Enforcement. Intended for information about civil, criminal and/or cleanup enforcement initiatives, activities and actions.
- Environmental Effects. Includes environmental impacts specific to your topic.
- Frequent Questions. Do not use the FAQs acronym.
- Glossary. Definitions of key terms.
- Grants & Funding. Resource information related to the topic.
- Human Health. Includes health information and impacts specific to your topic.
- Laws, or Regulations & Standards, or Laws & Regulations. Select the most appropriate term; use "Laws & Regulations" if you have content covering both areas. Regulations & standards are issued under a law or statute authority.
- Newsroom. Links to news releases, etc. (differentiates from "new pages on the site," which are linked from "Recent Additions.").
- Partnerships. Information about partnerships and partners who work with us on a topic. May include: government, non-government organizations, companies, other "stakeholders," etc.
- Policy, or Guidance, or Policy & Guidance. Select the most appropriate term; use "Policy & Guidance" if you have content covering both areas. Usually relates to regulatory and official policy guidance of the agency; distinct from "general" guidance, guidance on "how you can help," etc.
- Publications. Links to listing of EPA produced material including videos and CD-ROMs as well as all printed material.
- Related Links. Related links within and outside EPA.
- Science, or Technology, or Science & Technology. Select the most appropriate term. Use "Science" to cover science and research content. Use "Technology" for strictly application content. Use "Science & Technology" if you have content covering both areas.
- Site Map. Do not create a site map page. It is duplicate content. The homepage should have the web area navigation available in an organized way.
- What You Can Do. Actions, activities, ways to help for general public, students, etc.
Examples
Full Metadata about this standard
Name Sidebar
Tracking number NT00000000
Type Standard
Required or Recommended Required
Effective date 09/28/2005
Date approved 07/01/2011
Category Links and Navigation, Page Elements
Web Council review by 07/01/2013 (or earlier if deemed necessary by the Web Council)
Governing Policy Web Governance and Management (PDF) (4 pp, 339K, About PDF)