Methodological diversity in the evaluation of cultural heritage digital libraries and archives: an analysis of frameworks and methods

Abstract

Digital library evaluation has become increasingly important in information science, yet there has been minimal evaluative work focusing on digital cultural heritage. We report on a comprehensive review of methodologies and frameworks used in the evaluation of cultural heritage digital libraries and archives. Empirical studies are examined using Tefko Saracevic’s digital library evaluation framework to identify models, frameworks, and methodologies in the literature and to categorize these past evaluative approaches. Through the classification and critique of evaluative types and trends, we aim to develop a set of recommendations for the future evaluation of cultural heritage digital libraries and archives.