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Virtual Reference Desk: How does the Kentucky Virtual Library choose the Web sites that are included in the Virtual Reference Desk?

The blue sidebar contains a link to information on how we select the Web sites included in the Virtual Reference Desk.

Links to information on how we select external websites for inclusion in the Virtual Reference Desk

A Web site will be added to the Virtual Reference Desk if:

It has been used to answer a question received at the KYVL help desk more than once

OR

It supports research on the Commonwealth of Kentucky

OR

It supports the information needs of the people of Kentucky

AND

It is evaluated as a quality Web site.

Quality Web sites are judged according to the following 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 Web site 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 Web site 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 Virtual Reference Desk?
If the topic of the document is covered by other site included in the Virtual Reference Desk, does the site being considered cover it better?

Organization and Design:

Is the Web site 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?

The Web sites that are included in the Virtual Reference Desk are evaluated by Kentucky librarians who volunteer to evaluate sites for a specific subject area. To see the list of volunteers, click here.

Link to recommend a website for inclusion in the Virtual Reference Desk

If you know of a site that you think should be included in the Virtual Reference Desk, you can use another link in the blue sidebar to access a form where you can submit the site for consideration. You can also contact the subject contributors directly.


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Last updated: Monday, 18-Aug-2008 11:12:15 EDT