A simple method for evaluating an optical information medium by judging
quantitatively and reproducibly the surface quality of the optical
information medium by the use of an artificial fingerprint liquid as an
evaluation dispersion liquid, is provided. An optical information medium
having a remarkably excellent anti-staining property of the surface which
is on the incident side of recording/reproducing beam is provided. A
method for evaluating an optical information medium, comprising: adhering
an artificial fingerprint liquid containing a fine-particle-form
substance and a dispersion medium capable of dispersing the
fine-particle-form substance onto the surface of the optical information
medium which is on the incident side of a recording/reproducing beam;
observing the state of the artificial fingerprint liquid droplets adhered
to the surface; and judging the quality of the medium surface.