Department of homeland security websites uncoupled: An evaluation of online counterterrorism and security information across agencies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the content focus and hyperlink structure of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) websites. This exploratory research is the first phase of a long-term effort to assess the degree to which information provided by DHS websites reflects the communication and information requirements of U.S. citizens. The present study uses content analysis and web link analysis methodologies to examine nine primary DHS websites. The findings reveal there are differences among the primary DHS agency websites in the use of hyperlinks and the coverage of national security topics. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.