When considering collections for use as a researcher, online finding aids are a valuable tool for evaluating the material to be used. Important qualities of a finding aid include the description of the material, ease of use, and the format of the instrument itself. The Records of Sir Thomas Wyse, 1816- ca. 1942 at the University of Illinois Rare Book and Manuscript Library is a research tool that has both strengths and weaknesses for a researcher. At first glance, the Sir Thomas Wyse Archives online search tool seems tedious and unengaging. Looking through the finding aid, there are no breaks in the text or anything of visual appeal. Clicking the menu links on the left simply navigates through blocks of text without displaying another page or more information. As a casual user, the design of this finding aid would be a drag and the lack of aesthetic appeal would make me less likely to use this collection, especially since no items appear to be available online in digital files or similar. However, for a more serious researcher, the lack of visual appeal is not as important as the information contained on the collection and materials. This would be more readable with a little variety in font sizes and types, but a pretty page is not the main consideration. Information contained in scope and content as well as biographical notes can be essential in evaluating the contents of the collection. These tell you who and what is represented in a collection, the period the material comes from, and important contextual information for understanding who and what is represented. Depending on the collection, note length may not matter. This literary collection encompasses several writers spanning over 125 years and the medium of paper on which ......vist will work, but a non-productive link is a bit disappointing when hoping to mine the archives for resources. The finding aid of the Thomas Wyse Archives has some shortcomings but also many advantages. The ability to browse the entire help without having to click between links is incredibly convenient, even if the site lacks visual appeal. The biographical, scoping, and content notes could be expanded to improve context for those unfamiliar with the topics. We hope that digital content will be added to improve remote access to the archives. The University of Illinois appears to be gearing this finding aid toward researchers who are familiar with the players and material in the collection and who will not be intimidated by the lack of visual appeal. With a few modifications, this help would be usable and attractive to any potential researcher..