Northern Star helps readers find what they need

One of the things that most impresses me about the Northern Star's coverage of the Valentine's Day shootings is the way the paper has laid out its home page. The coverage is deep and there is lots of information but by listing stories and resources under categories, the Web site helps readers find exactly what they are looking for.


"The latest" in the top right hand corner guides readers to news of the most recent developments, as well as important university resources, such as the Northern Illinois University's list of counseling services and the official university memorial page. Readers who want to participate in a vigil can find one easily from a list under the latest developments. And if you want to find earlier stories, they're all there on the home page in the "coverage archive."

News not related the shootings -- entertainment, sports, other campus coverage -- is still on the home page, but you have to scroll down to find it.

Student newspapers that find themselves in the middle of a news avalanche would do well to follow the Northern Star's lead.

The paper should also get high marks for the thoroughness and timeliness of its coverage. The Northern Star proved itself this week to be a truly professional-quality news organization that served readers near and far.