Digital library evaluation: Toward an evolution of concepts

WHILE THERE WERE MANY EFFORTS IN THE RESEARCH and practices of digital libr aries, evaluation was not a conspicuous activity. It is well recognized tha t digital library evaluation is a complex and difficult undertaking. Challe nges facing digital library evaluation are enumerated. A conceptual framewo rk for evaluation is suggested. A review of evaluation efforts in research and practice concentrates on derivation of criteria used in evaluation. Ess ential requirements for evaluation ale stated. Discussed are constructs, co ntext, and criteria of digital libraries: What should we evaluate? For what purpose do we evaluate? Who should evaluate? At what level do we evaluate! Upon what criteria do we evaluate? In addition, included are suggestions f or adaptation of criteria fr om related activities. The article is consider ed as a part of the evolution of concepts for digital library evaluation.