Chinese Digital Librarianship – International Digital Libraries Perspectives ILS 599-S70 Special Topics: Study Abroad in China

With the proliferation and availability of information on the Internet, libraries are competing in the digital world to maintain their position as a trusted and accessible information resource. The volatility of electronic environments necessitates digital libraries to identify, measure, and communicate their worth. By comparing the criteria established as important to digital library users in the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee study (UOWM)(2006) to the results of the Digital Renaissance Foundation study (DRF)(2008) and the Universities Study, Guangzhou, China (Guangzhou)(2011), this paper’s purpose is to evaluate users ’ perceptions of digital libraries ’ usability and performance and to identify areas for improvement and advancement. Based on a review of previous user research and system evaluation studies, best practices, and current technological trends, the paper’s goal is to determine an appropriate evaluation model for future research and possible systems solutions. As returning users boost digital libraries use and validate the goals and funds spent on development, the results can provide collection management departments, technology designers, and funders of all sized digital libraries the motivation to assess their viability and to build efficient, effective, and competitive digital libraries to preserve their value as the primary knowledge management system by the global community. Literature Review While there is currently no one clear definition of a digital library, the Digital Library Federation (DLF) defines digital libraries as: “ … organizations that provide the resources, including the specialized staff, to select, structure, offer intellectual access to, interpret, distribute, preserve th