1. A computer-implemented method for assessing the quality of an electronic image, comprising the steps of: assigning on a computer an image quality value to the electronic image; determining a selected purpose for the electronic image; identifying an image quality threshold based on the selected purpose of the electronic image; and determining whether the image quality value meets or exceeds the image quality threshold, wherein the electronic image is suitable for its intended purpose if the image quality value meets or exceeds the image quality threshold.