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Welcome to KidsLinQ, the Queens Library’s web page for children. This edition has a whole new look to it compared to the 1995 and 2001 editions, but it still offers many of the same features that were designed especially for kids up to age 12.

KidsLinQ makes access to the Library Catalog, on-line databases and the Internet more user friendly for youngsters. It has been designed with elementary school children in mind. The committee of Children’s Librarians who maintain the site have deliberately chosen to limit the number of web sites on each topic. These are reviewed quarterly to be sure they still have the same quality information, child-friendly interfaces and are kept up-to-date.

Parents and teachers should help children to understand that not everything they find on the Internet is good information. The pre-selected sites we choose do have information and activities that children will enjoy, but can also be relied upon to have accurate, timely information. The Library reviews direct links, but cannot be held responsible for secondary sites that other web page sponsors may link to. The library also uses a filtering service (to be in compliance with Federal CIPA or Children’s Internet Protection Act regulations). Neither the filter we use nor any other commercial filtering product is fail-safe. Parents should monitor their children’s web surfing to be sure that they are not accessing inappropriate sites. [See A Message to Parents: Surfing the Internet {link} on our Parents’ Page for more information.]

What’s New? 

• The kids’ page has many of the same features that the rest of the Library pages have, and looks more like them.
  
• The tabs are just for the kids’ page, and once you are searching inside one of the categories, you can switch to another category without going back to the home page.
  
• You can also do a keyword catalog search (the white box that says “Find books,…and more) from any page.
  
• Inside the category pages the sub-headings will be on the right side of the page. You can switch topic searches directly without going back to the main page.
  
• On the left hand column there is a special orange button to access the library’s subscription databases. Some of these may only be available from library computers, but most can be accessed from any home computer.
  
• If you want to get out of the children’s pages, just use the “Kids Home” button to come back.
  

KidsLinQ selection criteria:
Currency

• Sites we link to show the date of their last revision.
  
• Links are checked by QL regularly to monitor changes.
  

Quality

• When seeking sites for KidsLinQ we look for sites that primarily offer information and/or pictures rather than just links to other sites.
  
• While some sites are quite comprehensive, others offer specific information needed for the New York City K-6 school curriculum or to satisfy young readers’ curiosity about popular topics.
  
• Sites use correct spelling and grammar.
  

Authority

• Non-commercial sites are preferred, .org, .edu and .gov sites over .com ones.
  
• There is a statement of responsibility.
  
• The site has objective information.
  

Design and navigation

• Sites are appropriate for and appeal to children up to age 12.
  
• Graphics and illustrations are appropriate to the site.
  
• There are a limited number of levels (or clicks) to get to the information.
  
• There are less than 3 pop ups or advertisements.
  
• The “back button” does not keep you locked in the site.
  
• If there are “plug-ins” required for the site, they are easily explained.
  

Information requests:

• The site does not require names, email addresses or other personal information to access. If features of the site require such information, there is a parental alert.
  
• Sites that allow visitors to contact them with questions or concerns are preferred over those that do not.
  

Optional:

• Sites have won awards.
  
• Many other sites, library pages or children’s pages link to them.
  

 KidsLinQ also offers selected sites for Parents and Teachers [More for Kids and Grownups Too]. Parent links include information on health and safety, education and other useful topics. The Teacher page concentrates on professional development. There is also a database so teachers can easily locate the Community Library serving their school [Which Library Serves Our School?]. Adult users will also find helpful information about children’s literature [About Books and Reading] and annotated booklists.

Occasionally Internet users will find sites that are blocked by the Library’s filtering system. If that happens, check with your librarian.

The Library makes every effort to keep our technology up to date. If users experience problems with our homepage or our listings, they should contact the Library’s Webmaster via email at webmaster@queenslibrary.org .