Database Selection Guidelines

Databases are selected or created and licensing fees paid for by Boise Public Library and the Idaho State Library LiLI project.  Databases are selected to meet Boise community needs and provide information for all age groups.  Databases expand the Library’s capacity to meet community needs through a variety of delivery options and content formats. All databases can be used inside the Library and many can be accessed from home or office using a computer with an Internet connection and your Boise Public library card.

Databases and software are chosen because they enhance existing materials or because they provide new content previously unavailable.  Standard professional print and online review publications will be consulted when considering the acquisition of electronic resources. Other selection criteria include but are not limited to:

1. Accessibility: easy to use, quick loading, requires no special browser configuration?
2. Authority: who is providing the information, are sources reliable or referenced?
3. Currency: is the information current and regularly updated?
4. Organization: is the information easily browsed or searched?
5. Audience: is it for public or professional users?
6. Content: value added, is it unique or offer advantages not available elsewhere?
7. Vendor Support
8. Costs
9. Documentation

Website Selection Guidelines

Website selection is similar but not identical to selecting electronic resources.  By selecting a Website for inclusion on a subject page we are not making an endorsement of that site or vouching for the validity of the information provided since web pages change frequently.  Some of our guidelines for library web page creation and Website selection are as follows:

1. Is there a local need for this information?  We focus on creating pages that meet frequent patron demand in the Boise community.
2. We are selective about the inclusion of Websites, not comprehensive.
3. Site selection is based on librarian expertise and other authoritative sources, like lii.org and Library Journal.
4. Who provides the information?  Are they qualified to do so?
5. Is the information current and regularly updated?
6. Is there a commercial bias and does that effect the quality or validity of the information?
7. Is the Website easy to use and quick loading?
8. Does the site’s design facilitate use in terms of organization and structure?
9. Does the site require special downloads or browser support applications?
10. Does the site charge for information or require free registration?

Adult Services Web Team  2/04