Methodological Diversity in the Evaluation of Cultural Heritage Digital Libraries and Archives: Approaches, Frameworks, and Methods

Abstract

The evaluation of digital libraries has been a topic of increasing importance in information science research, yet there has been minimal evaluative work focusing on digital cultural heritage. The objective of this paper is to report on a comprehensive review of methodologies, theoretical frameworks and techniques used in the evaluation of cultural heritage digital libraries and archives. Empirical studies are examined to identify evaluation models, frameworks, and methodologies in the literature and to categorize these past evaluative approaches. Through the classification of evaluative types and trends, we aim to develop a set of guidelines and recommendations for the future evaluation of cultural heritage digital libraries and archives.

Ali Shiri

University of Alberta

Ali Shiri is a Professor at the School of Library and Information Studies in the University of Alberta, teaching courses in the areas of digital libraries and information organization and retrieval. His research areas centre on digital libraries, search user interfaces, user interaction with digital information and learning and data analytics.

Emily Villanueva

University of Alberta

Emily Villanueva is a graduate student pursuing her MA/MLIS degrees at the University of Alberta’s School of Library and Information Studies and Media and Technology Studies unit. Her interests reside at the intersection of LIS and the social sciences, with a focus on information behaviours and identities in digital spaces.