Selection Criteria for Web Sites

Scope
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) supports a Wide Area Network (WAN) connecting its Central Library and 12 neighborhood libraries. Web sites compliment the other electronic and print reference resources in MPL's collection.

Selection Process
The selection of Web sites is the responsibility of the Electronic Reference Services Committee. The Committee may consult with the Coordinator of Technical Services and the appropriate Coordinators of the Subject Services or the Children’s Coordinator before adding sites. Web sites are reviewed based on the criteria listed below:

• Accuracy
• Appropriateness
• Arrangement
• Authority
• Comparability with existing reference sources
• Completeness

• Content/Reference value
• Cost
• Currency
• Distinction
• Documentation
• Ease-of-use
• Graphics

• Level
• Registration requirements
• Reliability
• Representation
• Searchability
  
• Technical considerations
  
• Uniqueness

Retention and Weeding
Web site links are checked and updated periodically. Only the current copy of the web page is available.

Children and Young Adult Web Pages
The Milwaukee Public Library Children’s web pages are developed for all children in the city of Milwaukee ages 0 – 14 years old and the adults that care for them to meet their diverse informational and recreational needs.

The Milwaukee Public Library Teen web pages are developed for all children in the city of Milwaukee ages 13 – 19 years old to meet their informational and recreational needs.

Please note that some of these web links are not produced by the Milwaukee Public Library. The content of all web links is checked periodically, but content can change rapidly. If you see something that's inappropriate, let us know - here.

Electronic Reference Services Committee - Jan./99