Linking Policy for Internet Sites

The Fond du Lac Public Library maintains a home page of the World Wide Web primarily to provide Internet guidance to meet the information needs of users. Our objective is to provide Internet users with links to useful sites with accurate information. A secondary function of the home page is to market the Library.

The Library believes that information on the Internet is just as valid as information through more traditional media. Therefore, it is the role of the librarians to ensure that users can access this information effectively. To this end, we have developed a virtual library which complements our physical collection.

Professional librarians using the criteria listed below select sites for the library home page.

Criteria for Selecting Internet Sites:

• Links will be educational or informational in nature.
• Links should provide authoritative, accurate and current information.
• The Library will attempt to provide balancing points of view when linking to sites containing controversial information.
• Purely commercial sites or sites that are purely advertising will be avoided.

Indicators of Site Quality:

• Easy to use
• Scope of content is clearly stated
• Content is documented, accurate and verifiable
• Headings and annotations are clear and helpful
• Site is stable and links are up-to-date
• Speed of connection
• Compatible with popular browsers
• Handicapped accessible