Website Reviews

The International Association for Human Resource Information Management

http://www.ihrim.com

"The International Association for Human Resource Information Management is your link to the unique world of HR information management, systems issues, trends, and technology." This is what the site tells me when I first log in - Impressive statement, I must say, but can it deliver? I decided to search a little further.

I must admit, the site looks extremely professional: no strange colours, clean feel, plenty of space and no annoying underlined links in the home page - well done!

I logged onto the "Membership Services" area first and was advised that I can access a network of HR information management professionals. These include conference listings, analysis surveys, a variety of HR-based publications and networking opportunities. But of course there is a fee! This can be anything from US$195-US$225 depending on where you are located.

Much of the site is restricted to members, including the "Publications Online" and "Online Products and Services Directory". There are, however, other areas of interest that casual web surfers can access such as "The Marketplace" which outlines products and services of interest to HR professionals such as software and books.

Initially, I thought the site wasn't all that "international" - based mainly in the USA and Canada - until I clicked on "Job Central". I got a little excited when I saw Australia listed, but was disappointed to see there were no job listings. Furthermore, there were no listings for international positions either. Canada and the USA had a few, but nothing substantial. Perhaps there is more to come?

There are many other sections on the site, and "Hot Topics" is certainly worth a visit. This area allows members and non-members to participate in bulletin conversations on various topics relating to HR. Australian HR professionals interested in what's happening in North America will probably find it useful.

I finished my visit with "On the Web". This is a great area for those web surfers that enjoy searching for other HR-related sites - there is a very extensive listing. Overall, the best thing about this site is that it is easy to read and understand, without having to sift through endless underlinings and confusing text links.

readability: 8/10
legibility: 8/10
surfability: 7/10
content: 7/10