Librarians
use the criteria below for evaluating resources and selecting high quality
items for each resource
guide. This set is based on criteria developed by Cecilia Durkin, M.S.L.S.,
A.H.I.P. from the seminar, Evaluating Web Resources, CAPCON
Library Network (1997). Most of the items in this list also apply to print
resources. The Collection Development Policy is also used as a selection
guide.
- Accuracy - Information contained in the resource guide
selections must be accurate, verifiable, and peer reviewed.
- Authority - Selections must be from an authoritative source.
- Objectivity - Selections must be educational in nature and not for
the purpose of making a profit. Selections must meet the information
needs of the audience for whom the resource guide is intended.
- Currency - Selections must be very recent (publications written in
the last 2 years or Web sites that are frequently updated); an older
item may be considered if it sets the foundation for future research
(e.g., a Surgeon General's report).
- Coverage - Selections must specifically address the resource guide
topic. Resources must be public health oriented and not clinical in nature.
Resources that describe and/or evaluate programs and/or discuss "lessons
learned" are particularly helpful to the MCH community and are often
added to our guides.
- Access - Web sites and other electronic resource selections must be
easily accessible and navigable. If not and the selection is essential
to the guide, we'll add navigation tips for the user.
Please take a moment to give us feedback about
our resource guides.
