How do we select Web-based materials?

Criteria for Selection

As a teacher and a school library media specialist I think it's important to look at what the needs of a specific school community are as well as what parameters have been laid out by professional organizations. As a rule, I reference the American Library Association (ALA) for much of what I do, particularly with regard to collection development guidelines. I think they have a complete list of important criteria to consider when selecting electronic resources, including Web-based materials. Below I provide evaluative questions as well as the ALA’s selection policy criteria regarding electronic resources.

Personally, I like to ask questions when evaluating pretty much anything. As far as determining whether Web-based materials are appropriate, I think the following questions are helpful:

• Do the materials make learning a more efficient process?
• Do the materials provide a more efficient means for assessment?
• Is there a means for learners to self-evaluate/self-assess progress?
• Do the materials make learning more easily accessible?
• Do the materials save money?
Do they provide methods for self-study?
• Do materials offer more features than print versions?
• Are there alternatives or supplemental materials for learners who prefer print materials?
• Will these materials increase engagement?
• Is it compatible with common hardware and software?
• Can it be used on PCs and Macs?
• How much does it cost in comparison to print materials?
• How often are updates available?
• How much of the content is downloadable?
• Is a free trial available? If so, for how long?

ALA defines electronic resources as those that encompass full-text and abstracting/indexing databases, CD-ROMs/DVDs, computer software (especially bibliographic management products), Internet sites, e-books with no print counterparts, e-reference works, and collections of e-books and e-journals. We review both commercial (fee-based) and open/free electronic Web sites, the latter including those that offer unrestricted full-text access to material, including digital archives; collections of research journals; preprints/e-prints; and discipline-specific repositories. We selectively review Web-based magazines, courseware, and electronic sites based on collaborative authorship (including wikis and blogs/Weblogs), carefully scrutinizing the quality of the material and the content review processes. Criteria particular to electronic resources include the following:

Access (commercial databases only): try to arrange a free trial so that both editor and reviewer can evaluate the full database.

Scope: give priority to resources that are comprehensive or broad in coverage.

Comparative formats: review electronic resources that are available only in electronic format (including e-books), along with those that have print counterparts.

Multimedia: review selected CD-ROMs/DVDs and Internet sites offering collections of streamed or downloadable full-length video, audio, and multimedia

Currency and updates: product information that shows evidence that the publisher/producer plans regular updates

Hardware and software: Technical requirements of a product should be compatible with standard and commonly available hardware and software.

Publication or release date: may re-review an online resource when content has changed substantially or when the developers have substantially upgraded the interface

Stability of content: Electronic products and Internet sites should be stable in content and format.

Source:
American Library Association Selection Policy