Choosing the correct index or database is half the battle when it comes to format issues. If you can only use scholarly articles, use a database the allows you to limit to "refereed" or "peer reviewed" articles. If you cannot use the internet, do not start with the commercial web browsers. For books, start with your library's card or online catalog.

Also, "nifty" materials with lots of bells and whistles can be extremely frustrating, especially when you are under a deadline. So ask yourself:  

Is the resource easy to read?

   Is the size of the text large enough?
   Are the color pleasing or irritating?
   Are the graphics clean and easily decipherable?
   Are the graphics on the web page:
       animated gifs
       too big or small
       too many
       makes it take too long to load?

Is the resource easy to navigate?

    Does it include an index or expanded table of contents?
    Does the web page provide:
        a site search engine
        links for plug-ins including video, graphics, and sound?

Is the material ADA compliant?

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Barbara A. Bishop
RBD Library
01/2000