Kentucky Adult Education Resource Database
Guidelines for SMEs

The initial emphasis for the Kentucky Adult Education Resource Database is the identification and inclusion of resources appropriate for instructors. In later phases, resources for learners and for adult education program managers will be added.

Selection Criteria | Website Annotations | SME Responsibilities

Selection Criteria

Authority:

• Are the author's position, training, and/or experience appropriate to the topic of the document?
• Is the research traceable?

Objectivity:

• Is the scope and purpose of the document clearly stated?

Reliability:

• Is the information accurate?
• Is the website stable? Does it have a stable URL or a PURL? Has it been available for a reasonable period of time? Are you able to connect to it each time you attempt to go there?

Timeliness:

• Does the website indicate the date it was last updated?

Coverage:

• Does the document cover a topic that adds to the breadth and balance of information in the Kentucky adult education resource database?
• Is the source included in the LINCS database? If so, then it should not be included in the Kentucky adult education resource database.

Organization and Design:

• Is the website design is clean and easy to use? Are there lots of flashing ads? Is it easy to find the information you need on the page?

Access:

Websites must allow unrestricted access to the information

Responsibilities of the SME Responsible for Each Subject Matter Area:

• When possible, identifying the URL that will directly link to the information rather than to a general page from which the user must continue to click to find the resource.
• Using the website submission site to submit approved resources to the Kentucky Adult Education Resource Database committee chair.
• Maintaining that subject’s segment of the database (i.e., checking for updated information, identifying new sources of information, reviewing suggested resources for inclusion, identifying broken links, etc.).
• Writing annotations (see explanation in section above) for new resources to be included in the database.
• Responding to requests for review within one week’s time.
• Checking to ensure that resource is not included in the LINCS database. If it is, then it should not be included in the Kentucky adult education resource database. -- How to check the LINCs site.
• Using an expert advisory group, if desired, to help review resources. This group will not be paid.