Government Information Collections in the Networked Environment: New Issues and Models

The Allerton Institute offered examples of research studies with methodological relevance to GILS evaluation efforts. She identified three methodology areas which are "predecessor" in nature to digital library research: Methodological issues for this project include targeting specific user classes, the lack of appropriate spatial metadata models, and a lack of understanding of user requirements.

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After a review of methodologies used by the digital library DL research community, three conclusions emerge. The DL community uses both qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques; it is this multi-method strategy which was of interest to the GILS investigators.

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The DL community is using user-based methodologies both to design DLs and to evaluate the early testbeds. For the GILS study, the technology to support locator services has already been established and the primary focus of the meth odologies is on evaluation rather than design; one likely outcome of the GILS evaluation, however, may be the identification of additional user-based requirements for enhancing the design an implementation of GILS. Finally, DL research is contributing to the development of user-based methodologies for networked information services; the GILS study is evaluating an existing complex networked service and will add to these methodologies from practical research of an operational networked service.

The review of selected, recent methodology literature on evaluation of networked services clearly identifies such evaluations as an area under development. The investigators determined that the use of multiple methods to gather data is an emerging area of research methodology for evaluating networked information services.

In addition, a focus on user needs is central to many of these studies. The research community is showing keen interest in developing new assessment strategies for evaluating networke d information services. To accommodate multiple facets of GILS, the investigators designed an evaluation framework that would guide a holistic research approach to the evaluation. The framework identified five dimensions: The research framework also includes three perspectives, representing the "views" of various stakeholders in GILS: Users, Agency, and Government-wide. The three perspectives helped to focus the evaluation on the need to represent diff erent views held by different stakeholders during implementation and use of a networked-based information service.

Together the three perspectives and the five dimensions capture the complexity of GILS as a networked-based information service and guided r esearch design and data collection activities. Figure 1 presents the evaluation framework.

The research framework highlighted the need for multiple and sometimes simultaneous data gathering methods and activities which could inform the five dimensions and three perspectives as shown in Figure 1. The investigators used a variety of individual data gathering techniques as described below.

To capture the richness and multi-dimensionality of GILS, the investigators identified a variety of data gathering and analysis techniques. Since an evaluation of a networked-based information service such as GILS needed to examine diverse factors e. The investigators matched research information needs i. Investigators selected and utilized one or more methods on the basis of satisfying the information needs of each component of the study.

In a parallel manner, focus group sessions with various type of GILS stakeholders represented opportunities for the investigators to bring together homogeneous groups of stakeholders to represent common-int erest perspectives. These methodologies used theoretical sampling rather than statistical sampling.

Government Information Collections in the Networked Environment: New Issues and Models

Unlike the latter, which is designed to provide data subject to statistical verification, theoretical sampling allowed capture of incidents of difference and, in a progress ive fashion, built a broad foundation for subsequent analysis. Table 1 summarizes the data collection techniques used in the study.

Each technique is associated with one or more primary methods i. The resulting data were then analyzed using appropriate analytical techniques. The following briefly describes each technique, how it was used, and its utility in the evaluation study:. Site Visits Investigators conducted one-day visits to agencies to observe specific environments of GILS implementations.

Investigators carried out guided interviews with personnel from many administrative and functional areas. Site visits provided for detailed understanding—from participants perspectives—of GILS implementation issues.

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Focus Groups Investigators conducted a series of "carefully planned discussion[s] designed to obtain perceptions on a defined area of interest in a permissive, non-threatening environment" Krueger, Focus groups brought togethe r groups of stakeholders, allowing individuals with common interests an opportunity to explore shared beliefs and goals with respect to GILS. Survey Investigators developed a survey instrument administered to participants of a national conference on GILS.

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Respondents assessed key GILS policy and other issues. Specific tests were used to operationalize a set of criteria that included 1 the relative "completeness" or level of description of GILS records, 2 resource types, aggregation levels, and dissemination media, and 3 records serviceability i. Scripted Online User Assessment Investigators developed an exploratory method of scripted online user assessment to capture users 1 subjective appraisal of GILS efficacy as a tool for NIDR, 2 emotional and intellectual reactions to GILS prod ucts and services as compared with others, and 3 assumptions about GILS implementations vis a vis coverage, information space, and authority based on a limited first-exposure.

Policy and Literature Review Investigators completed a review of GILS and related policy instruments, regulations, laws and related literature to provide an understanding of the current environment that is the context for GILS implementations. T his review enabled the investigators to develop recommendations for changes and enhancements to policies—both government-wide and for individual agencies.

These techniques provided the foundation for data collection and analysis activities carried out in the study.

One or more of the techniques described above collected data related to each of the dimensions of GILS identified in the evaluation framework. The following sections describe briefly the scope of each dimension and identity data collection activities a ssociated with its exploration. The dimension of Technology included technical implementation details such as access mechanisms and implications of certain technology choices by Federal agencies and policymakers.

Data collection to explore the Technology dimension featured: At the national GILS conference, investigators invited vendors and technologists to a focus group session to discuss both existing and future technology options for GILS. The session brought together a group of stakeholders whose views on GILS tec hnology included market potential, feasibility and desirability of future technological developments, and an evaluation of GILS functionality from a group of technology-informed users.

Site visits with IRM staff at selected Federal agencies enriched data gathering through use of personal interviews. Within different agencies, IRM and systems staff fulfilled a variety of roles as part of the process of implementing GILS as a networked information service. Investigators interviewed those agency staff who guided the GILS technical efforts. These interviews aided in an understanding of key issues, challenges, and critical success factors for the agency.

An additional data gathering technique included an exploratory log analysis activity designed to assist in the evaluation of GILS usage. Finally, the content analysis of GILS records elucidated a record creation and usage issue unanticipated in the GILS specification — the possible confounding effects of hypertext capabilities on metadata serviceability and maintenance. The dimension of Content , at the macro-level identified the information resources included or covered in GILS, and at the micro-level, concerned the quality, degree of variance, accuracy, and usability of the information resource descriptions co vered by GILS.

Data gathering techniques for this dimension included:. Investigators developed preliminary criteria and assessment methods to evaluate a sample of GILS Records. Focus group sessions, survey questions, and user assessment also provided the investigators with perceptions and perspectives on the usefulness and value of GILS records form different user groups. GILS users are not a homogeneous group, but rather consist of a variety of separate user groups including librarians, public citizens, record managers and other staff members at the implementing agencies, and state and local GILS implementors.

A number of the focus groups gathered information about specific groups of users such as records mangers, librarians, and public interest groups. This line of inquiry was considered exploratory by the investigators. The Policy dimension of the evaluation framework identified the policy environment for the U. Policy occurs at both government-wide and agency levels.

Data gathering events and activities for this dimension incl uded:. Investigators conducted a policy review of enabling legislation, executive orders, and other guidelines which represented formal information policy with respect to GILS. Focus group sessions with Federal information policy stakeholders and site visit interviews with agency policymakers provided opportunities for important stakeholder groups to not only inform the investigators as to current and future policy goals in t his area but also to share among themselves mutual insights and concerns.

The Standards and Rules dimension addressed the utility of standards to ensure consistency in GILS information, and their use to support broader connection, access, and retrieval of information. Data gathering techniques for this dimension inclu ded:. The investigators interviewed administrators and IRM staff at Federal agencies to learn of their general awareness of sta ndards and specific use of Z It is important to note that the five dimensions of the evaluation framework and the multiple data collection techniques did not exist in isolation from each other.

Multiple data collection techniques not only enabled the investigators to explore aspe cts of any one dimension from a variety of perspectives but also provided for exploration of the relationships and interaction of these dimensions. For example the question:.

Government Information Collections in the Networked Environment

Is there evidence that this is taking place? A question such as this shows how a multi-method research approach can be effective in supporting evaluation of a complex and multi-faceted networked information service. The GILS evaluation served two primary purposes for the investigators. First, we devised and used an innovative research approach to explore the multi-faceted nature that we assert is not only characteristic of GILS but of digital libraries and other c omplex networked information services.

Second, we developed and enhanced specific data collection techniques for use in the evaluation, and we combined these techniques in effective ways to understand and evaluate the current state of GILS implementations. The student resources previously accessed via GarlandScience.

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