Collection Policy for GoWYLD!

GoWYLD! contains Internet resources to meet the needs of Wyoming's citizens. It is our intent to cover as broad a range of interests and viewpoints as possible and to collect resources to support the needs and interests of librarians and the general public.

Content is evaluated for its usefulness, quality and relevancy within the scope of the collection. Resources chosen should have an easy-to-use design, be created by an identified content authority, and be reliably accessible. Information should be current, and updated as needed.

Internet resources added to GoWYLD! are selected for their usefulness to the Wyoming library user. Because this can encompass just about any topic, GoWYLD! selectors compare the relative value of the resource to the range of information resources on and off the Web, and consider the following evaluation criteria:

Criteria for Inclusion:

Sites in this collection are selected based on the relevancy, quality, and currency of the contents, and the navigability and ease of use of the site's design. Sites included should have an identifiable content authority and be reliably accessible. A search engine or other form of index to the site's contents is desirable.

Specific Criteria:

ACCESS

• Site accessible with a text-based browser.
• Site uses standard HTML.
• Site loads easily and in a reasonable amount of time.
• Site is not often overloaded or unavailable, and is consistently available..
• Site has an unchanged URL.
• Site is open to all without fees.
• If there are links to other sites, do they work? Are they appropriate?

DESIGN

• Site pages are concise and fit standard size screen.
• Site instructions are clear and placed before links.
• Site links work properly.
• Site works intuitively.
• Site layout ensures user always know where they are.
• Site is both exciting and friendly; makes appropriate use of technology.
• Site encourages appropriate and safe user interaction.
• Site is organized and easy to find your way around.
• Site does not require additional software or hardware.

CONTENT

• Site clearly states scope, authority, and intended audience.
• Site titles and headings are clear, descriptive, and appropriate for intended audience.
• Site content is of adequate scope and is organized to meet needs of intended audience.
• Site provides appropriate links to additional sources of information.
• Site is up-to-date with links maintained.
• Site changes and grows to encourage future visits.
• Site content is documented and accurate.
• Site makes appropriate use of multimedia elements.
• If the resource is fee-based or selling a product, is there substantial content offered for free?
• Information on the site is accurate, factual and not biased.
• Site contributes something unique to the subject.
• Site content well-written (easy to read, correct spelling and grammar).

SCOPE

• Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated?
• Is the site appropriate for the intended audience?
• Is the site for a subject expert, a layperson, a school student?
• How does the site compare with other sites on the same subject?

AUTHORITY

• What are the author's reputation and qualifications in the subject covered?
• Are sources of information stated?
• Can the author be contacted for clarification or to be informed of new information?

Submit a site for consideration. NOTE: GoWYLD! does not include sites that require a fee or are primarily advertising a product or service.

Based on Library Selection Criteria for WWW Resources by Carolyn Caywood.

Selector and Collection Librarian: Erin Kinney, Digital Initiatives Librarian, ekinne@wyo.gov.

[Adopted 1/2001]