Evaluation indicators of library websites of selected research institutions in India

Abstract

An attempt has been made to evaluate the library websites of selected research institutions in India both quantitatively

and qualitatively on the basis of Web Impact Factor, pre-defined check list of indicators, and online questionnaire survey.

Studies the existing procedures and practices of evaluation indicators of websites at national and international levels as

reported in the literature. Reveals that there are many inconsistencies and terminological issues and many effective

methodologies/techniques for websites evaluation which are practiced at international level but are not being used in such

studies in India. Two major quality components viz. ‘usability’ and ‘usefulness’ covering the various evaluation indicators at

‘indicative’ and ‘illustrative’ level have been examined. Concludes that there is scope of further research for developing and

standardizing the indicators with multiple evaluation perspectives at various levels. Suggests the active and crucial role of

library and information scientists in the evaluation process from design to content management in future.