Testing a Multidimensional and Hierarchical Quality Assessment Model for Digital Libraries

This paper proposes and tests a multidimensional and hierarchical model for quality evaluation of digital libraries (LibEval). A convenience sample of 252 undergraduate and graduate students was used. Data was collected in October 2010 by means of a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis utilizing structural equation modelling techniques confirm the existence of a second-order factor construct (Quality of Digital Library) and five first-order dimensions, namely: interface quality, system quality, information quality, service quality, and contextual factors. The results from this study show empirically that the five dimensions are distinct manifestations of the quality of digital libraries. The user perceives and evaluates the quality of a digital library globally and in each dimension. The LibEval instrument can be utilized to assess the quality of digital libraries from the general user's perspective.