The Ohio State University

Background -- As a result of our experiment with CORC and the interest of some collection managers in proceeding with the cataloging of web sites in OSCAR, CAC has approved the following general policy for the selection and cataloging of free Internet resources on OSCAR.

Selection

1. If a collection manager identifies a free web site appropriate for inclusion in OSCAR that meets the criteria for inclusion as noted below, the collection manager may request cataloging of the site.

2. The Serials/Electronic Resources Dept. has designed a form for this purpose: WWW Resources Processing Form, available at: forms/wwwfreresform.php (Online version) and at
forms/wwwfreresform.php (Printable version)

3. Web sites which have licenses or require payment must be requested through the Electronic Products Checklist (EPC: Online, Printable) so that the acquiring process can occur.

4. Collection managers are asked to use their own best judgement in selecting sites that are important for users to know about through the catalog.

Criteria for Inclusion

1. Site has unique content that stands alone and can be adequately described through cataloging.

2. Site has an identifiable title clearly made available on the screen addressed by the URL.

3. Site has an established web master/site owner/publisher which is clearly indicated.

4. Site has lasting value (long term relevancy/usefulness and will remain on the Internet for the foreseeable future).

5. Site content & scope are clear, up-to-date, and of high quality.

6. Site is authoritative, the author reliable; facts verifiable and accurate.

7. Site is suitable to the audience; meets reference needs; or is appropriate to curriculum and research.

8. Site design is clear and concise; intuitive; easy to navigate; conceptually exciting.

Cataloging

1. Brief records will be created on OSCAR initially to provide immediate access to these resources. SER Cataloging Section will later import or create full level MARC records which will be completed following the existing guidelines.

2. Completion of Web site cataloging will be a lower priority than other activities in SER; priority decisions will be made as we have experience with the volume and flow of this material.