Quality Standards
The VECTOR Library is committed to providing quality educational materials about vector-borne diseases. Our rigorous quality standards are to ensure that all resources in our database are accurate, reliable, and useful for our diverse audience.
Our Commitment to Quality
At the VECTOR Library, we understand that reliable education, training, and communication resources on vectors and vector-borne diseases is crucial. That's why we carefully curate our database to include only materials from trusted sources with a track record of scientific accuracy and educational excellence.
Scientific Accuracy
These sources are trusted with regular updates. We ensure that all submissions are reviewed and are from a trusted resource or are reviewed for accurate, science-based information about vectors and vector-borne diseases. We prioritize resources that are developed by subject matter experts and regularly updated to reflect current scientific understanding.
Educational Value
Our resources are selected for their ability to effectively communicate important information about vector-borne diseases to their target audiences. We look for materials that are clear, well-organized, and designed with sound educational principles.
Practical Relevance
The VECTOR Library emphasizes resources that provide practical, actionable information that can be applied in real-world settings. We prioritize materials that offer guidance on prevention, surveillance, and control strategies that are accessible and implementable.
Our Quality Review Process
Every resource in the VECTOR Library undergoes a thorough review process before being added to our database. This ensures that all materials meet our high standards for accuracy, relevance, and educational value.
Initial Source Verification
We first verify that the resource comes from one of our trusted source categories: Cooperative Extension services, state and national public health agencies, or academic institutions. This ensures credibility and alignment with our mission.
Educational Assessment
We assess the educational design and effectiveness of the resource, considering factors such as clarity, organization, accessibility, and appropriateness for the intended audience.
Metadata Categorization
Approved resources are carefully categorized with appropriate metadata tags to ensure they can be easily found by users searching for specific topics, vector species, or content types.
Regular Review and Updates
We periodically review existing resources to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. Materials that become outdated are updated or removed from the database.
Product Evaluation
The following criteria are used to evaluate resources for the VECTOR Library
- Developed by recognized experts in vector-borne diseases, entomology, or public health
- Based on current scientific understanding and best practices
- Appropriate for the stated target audience
- Recent or regularly updated to reflect current knowledge
- From a reliable, trustworthy source
- Free from commercial or organizational bias or conflicts of interest
- Update regularity
Materials on this website are curated from Extension, public health, and academic resources. Where available, we include a searchable revision date for each resource. Please use your discretion when utilizing older materials, as best practices and recommendations may have evolved.
Our Trusted Sources
The VECTOR Library includes materials exclusively from the following types of trusted sources:
Cooperative Extension
Resources developed by Cooperative Extension services connected to land-grant universities across the United States. These materials combine scientific research with practical, community-focused education.
Examples: Fact sheets, field guides, training materials, and community education resources from state Extension services.
Public Health Agencies
Materials from federal, state, and local public health agencies that are responsible for protecting public health and providing guidance on disease prevention and control.
Examples: CDC guidelines, state health department resources, and local health authority educational materials.
Academic Resources
Educational materials developed by universities and research institutions with expertise in vector-borne diseases, entomology, and public health.
Examples: University publications, research-based educational resources, and academic outreach materials.
By restricting our database to these trusted sources, we ensure that all materials in the VECTOR Library meet high standards of scientific accuracy, educational quality, and practical relevance.