Web Site Selection Policy

General Description:
The Polk County Public Library web site provides links to a limited number of web addresses which library patrons may find helpful.  These web sites are selected in accordance with the library’s collection development policy, which has the overall goal of providing accurate and timely information that will meet the informational, educational and recreational needs of our diverse community.

Disclaimer:
Linking to a web site does not mean that the Polk County Public Library or Polk County Government endorses or sponsors the site. The sites have been carefully selected and reviewed by Polk County Public Library staff in accordance with established selection policies to help library users find information on the Internet.  These web sites are independent of the Library System, which has no control over the information contained on them. In addition, the library staff cannot insure the availability or accuracy of external electronic resources. As is the case with print materials, not all electronic sources provide accurate, complete or current information.

Retention Policy:
Web sites are checked and reviewed periodically for content, accessibility, accuracy and usefulness. If a site no longer meets the selection criteria or is inactive or out-of-date, it may be removed.

Weeding/Review:
Links to web sites may be removed if they change and/or no longer meet the Polk County Public Library’s selection criteria.

Evaluation
Sites are evaluated on the basis of their credibility, quality and usefulness in order to meet the needs and interest of the patrons and library staff. Preference may be given to educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), and non-profit organization sites (.org).  Other factors which will be considered when evaluating sites selected include:

1. Access: A stable site, no fees required, consistently available
2. Design: Clear, well organized, easy to use, selection of graphics that enhance content, absence of HTML frame  coding  to misrepresent content ownership.
3. Content: Authoritative, documented, verifiable, accurate, up to date .

The Polk County Public Library web site will continue to change in response to the ever-changing nature of the Internet.

Approved By Library Board of Trustees:  October 19, 2006