Department of Information Science	University of Otago

Te Whare Wananga o Otago

P.O.Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand

Fax: +64 3 479-8311

email: workpapers@commerce.otago.ac.nz

Dr Referee

Department of Information Science

University of Somewhere

P O Box 99

Anywhere

Dear Dr Referee

As part of the review process for our recently established Working Paper Series I am seeking the assistance of well-qualified academic personnel to act as Series referees. Given your research knowledge in (a particular topic) I would be grateful if you would participate in this process by evaluating the enclosed paper.

The Series provides a forum for discussion through the distribution of previously unpublished papers that are concerned with topics relating to the discipline of information science. Along with papers dealing purely with aspects of information science, contributions investigating the application of information science principles to other domains (e.g. cognitive science and surveying) are also encouraged.

The impetus for the establishment of the Series came from the department's research student group. They view the Series as an ideal opportunity to obtain constructive feedback concerning their research at a number of interim project stages. Thus one of the primary objectives of the Series is to generate constructive discussion and feedback for the authors. If you agree to participate in this review I would encourage you to provide detailed comments and recommendations relating to the ideas expressed in the paper and the general direction of the entire research project. (Please note: an anonymous copy of your assessment will be passed on to the authors).

Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. If, however, you are unable to perform the review I would be grateful if you could return both the paper and the report form to me at the address above using the enclosed reply-paid envelope. If I have not heard from you within a week of the date above I will assume that you have agreed to review the paper and I will be in touch via fax or email. I will then look forward to receiving your completed report form within another four weeks. Thank you for considering this request.

Yours sincerely

Whoever

Series Co-ordinator

Information Science Working Paper Series

Referee's Report Form

Title of Paper:	____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Please consider the importance of the subject of the paper (not to be confused with the overall quality of the paper as presented):

1.	of little interest/importance	□

2.	of some interest	□

3.	important, interesting work	□

4.	very important, major results	□

Comments:

Please tick the boxes and add below each question your praise, criticism, and other comments, and particularly your suggestions of improvements that would make the paper more suitable for publication.

Yes	No

1.	Does the title properly describe the paper?	□	□

Comments:

2.	Does the abstract bring out the main points?	□	□

Comments:

3.	Does the paper contain errors of fact or logic?	□	□

Comments:

Yes	No

4.	Is the purpose of the paper clearly described?	□	□

Comments:

5.	Is the paper organised in a logical fashion?	□	□

Comments:

6.	Can any parts be omitted or shortened?	□	□

Comments:

7.	Should any parts be expanded?	□	□

Comments:

8.	Are the references adequate?	□	□

Comments:

9.	Can any illustrations or tables be omitted?	□	□

Comments:

10.	Are any additional illustrations or tables required?	□	□

Comments:

Overall evaluation - Please grade the paper as submitted to you.

1.	excellent paper - accept as it stands	□

2.	useful paper - probably accept	□

3.	accept only after minor revision	□

4.	accept only after major revision	□

5.	reject - wrong and/or misleading	□

Please detail below comments and suggested revisions concerning the content of the paper and the general direction of the research. (Please continue on a separate page if necessary).

NAME:	____________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT:	____________________________________________________

ORGANISATION:	____________________________________________________

SIGNATURE:	______________________________ DATE: _____________