CHECKLIST:

Purpose and Content of the site:

YES  NO   Is the purpose of this website stated clearly?

YES  NO   Is the audience of this website agriculture-related?

YES  NO   Is the language and reading level of this website appropriate to an agriculture-related audience?

YES  NO   Is the website information factual?

YES  NO   Is the website information original information and in compliance with all standard internet copyright laws?

YES  NO   Is the website information relayed completely and not in a partial, summarized format?

YES  NO   Does this website author have the commitment and stability to maintain the site on a frequent basis?

Site Accuracy and Authority:

YES  NO   Does the website provide accurate information as best as can be determined?

YES  NO   Does the website avoid projecting or sponsoring a political or ideological bias?

YES  NO   Is the resource provided by a reputable publisher, organization, or expert?

YES  NO   Are the author's or publisher's qualifications and credentials stated on the website?

YES  NO   Are all sources of information cited and verifiable?

Site Maintenance and Stability:

YES  NO   Is the website information current?

YES  NO   Is the website information updated frequently?

YES  NO   Is the website expected to remain available for the foreseeable future?

YES  NO   Does the website provider agree to notify ODA if the link changes or is moved?

Site Scope and Uniqueness:

YES  NO   Does the scope of the resource match the expectations of the intended audience?

     Are all aspects of the subject covered?

     To what level of detail in the subject matter does the resource go?

     Is the information in the resource limited to certain time periods?

YES  NO   Is the website content unique to other sites already listed in the ODA directory?

Site Format, Appearance, and Workability:

YES  NO   Is the website designed intuitively and clearly organized?

YES  NO   Is the navigation structure of the site manageable for an agriculture-related audience?

YES  NO   Is the site interesting to view and does it promote any visual elements to enhance the resource?

YES  NO   Is the site convenient and effective to use?

YES  NO   Is the site user friendly?

YES  NO   Does the site respond to a variety of browsers and connections?

YES  NO   Is the site searchable?

YES  NO   Is the site organized in a logical manner to facilitate searching?

YES  NO   Is the organizational scheme appropriate?

YES  NO   Is a useful search engine provided?

YES  NO   Can the resource be accessed with standard equipment and software?

YES  NO   Does the site offer easy access to download special software (ie:  Acrobat Reader, Real Player) needed to view the site accurately?

YES  NO   Does the site respond quickly when accessing?

YES  NO   Is the site frequently online and functioning properly?

Site Cost and Security:

YES  NO   Is the site a free site?

YES  NO   If "No", does the site clearly state it is a fee-based site?

YES  NO   If "No", does the site use a secure server in retrieving this information?

Accountability of Site Provider:

YES  NO   Is the site provider willing to sign a waiver stating they have read and understand the external linking policy outlined

 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture?

SELECTION SCORING:

• In order to be selected, the ODA guideline is 80% or higher.

• Each "Yes" answer counts as a single point.

• To calculate your selection percentage, use the following formula:  (Total Points) / (36) x 100