The electronic resources selected to be included in the Library's Internet accessible catalog should contain highly focused subject matter and be rich in text, documents or photographic images.  They should meet the research and informational needs of Chattanooga State's students, faculty and staff. Special consideration will be given to electronic resources that provide local information on city, county and state levels.  Note:  See the Criteria for Selecting Web Pages below.

The electronic journals selected to be included in the Library's Internet accessible periodicals list should contain characteristics similar to the above. Specifically, links will provide access to electronic versions of a periodical or serial publication. The online version should contain at least three substantive full-text articles from each issue and may include graphics or other substantive material. There should be no cost to the user. The online version should provide access to past articles or issues of the publication. Sites that contain other features may be linked at the discretion of the Dean of Library Services. Sites requiring registration will be excluded from consideration.  Note:  See the Procedure for Selecting Electronic Journals below.

Criteria for Selecting Web Pages

Note:  Most pages will not meet all the criteria below, but they should meet at least fifty percent of the criteria in order to be included on the library's web site.

I.  CONTENT:   

    1. Has the site been reviewed or rated in a reputable subject directory such as one of the following:
            Choice   
            The Scout Report
            Librarians' Index to the Internet

            Argus Clearinghouse

    2. Is the author or publisher of the site identified?

    3. Does the author have appropriate qualifications or credentials to create the site's content?

    4. Is there an identifiable affiliation with a known organization, institution, or agency?

    5. Is the site sponsored, recognized or linked to be reputable professional organizations?

    6. If the page uses copyrighted information, does the creator cite permission of the copyright holder?

    7. Does it cite the authorities used to insure that the information is accurate?

    8. Does the main body of the text use the third person, rather than "I" or "we"?

    9. Is the text written in the third person so that there are no personal references (e.g., "my hobbies," "books I recommend")? 

    10. Is the information on the site current?

    11. Is the spelling and grammar correct

    12. Does the page contain primarily unique information that is not available on other sites?

13. Is the information on this site the best or most appropriate for the students, faculty, and staff of Chattanooga State Technical Community College?

14. Has a faculty member recommended the site for students' use?

15. Has the site received awards or recognition for quality?

16. Is the site clearly organized, easy to read, and easy to navigate?

17. Does the page load quickly?

18. Do key features such as search boxes work consistently, appropriately, and effectively?

19. Is the site freely accessible without requiring registration or payment?

20. Does advertising interfere with the delivery of the content?

Procedure for Selecting Electronic Journals

1. Library staff will suggest electronic journal additions to Library Associate, Acquisitions.

2. Library Associate will measure the usefulness of the link according to criteria listed in the policy on electronic journals stated above.

3. Library Associate will send proposed electronic journal titles and evaluations to Dean of Library Services for approval.

4. Dean of Library Services will decide which electronic journals to approve and notify Library Associate.

5. Library Associate will activate approved electronic journals on the library's web page (Periodicals List).

6. Library Associate will notify library staff of new electronic journals on the Periodicals List of the library's web page.

Approved: Victoria P. Leather, Dean of Library Services, September 5, 2000

Editorial changes, September 20, 2000; November 20, 2002; June 11, 2004

Approved: Dr. Gregory A. Sedrick, Vice President of Academic Affairs, October 3, 2000

                Dr. Fannie Hewlett, Vice President of Academic Affairs,