Material Removal Policy

MERLOT checks all links to the materials in its catalog monthly. This may produce a list of materials found to have invalid URLs. Each material on this list is tested by following the URL provided on its Detail View page. Each verified invalid URL is then investigated as follows:

1. The URL is "backtracked" - i.e., parts of the existing URL are deleted, one at a time working backwards, to see if a valid page can be found.
   • If a valid page for the site of origin is found and there is Search function on that page, a search for the title of the material is conducted.
2. If the material is no longer available on the original site or if there isn't Search function available as described above, a Google search is done using the title of the material, the author's name, and/or the author's organization, if known.
3. If the material cannot be located on the site of origin and a search does not locate a new URL (either on the site or from Google), an email is sent to the author and submitter of the material, the webmaster of the site of origin if possible, and to the appropriate MERLOT Editorial Board.
4. The email stresses the need for a prompt response in order to update the link and to avoid having the material deleted from MERLOT.
   • If a valid URL cannot be found and the author's email is returned (undeliverable), the link to the material is deleted from MERLOT.
   • If no valid URL can be found and neither the author nor the submitter responds within four weeks, the link to the material is deleted from MERLOT.
5. If a new URL can be located, the Detail view of the material is updated in MERLOT.

Revised June 3, 2008