Comprehensive Index System And Model For E-resource Evaluation

By critically analyzing the various theories and researches on e-resource evaluation, the author proposes a comprehensive index system for e-resource evaluation in view of the two decision-making processes involved in the life cycle of e-resources acquisition. Furthermore, by adopting AHP approach, the author has constructed an integrated e-resource evaluation model, which may have wide application as it enables flexible choice of the number of indices and hierarchies to construct the AHP model. In addition, the process of calculating the weights of indices has been computerized with a VB program, facilitating the application of the evaluation model. The dissertation comprises four important parts as follows:First, the author has acquired the indices for e-resource evaluation by a questionnaire survey among ten universities or colleges. As the factors considered in e-resource purchase may vary with the size and nature of the school, the author has chosen the most frequently considered factors as indices, which have been prioritized by the objects of survey, taking into account of their availability and effectiveness. On the basis of survey findings, drawing on various kinds of evaluation index systems both home and aboard, the author has constructed an index system for e-resource evaluation focusing on its effectiveness, practicality and representativeness.Second, the author puts forward a comprehensive index system for e-resource evaluation based on the life cycle of e-resource acquisition. As the six stages involved in the life cycle can be divided into two decision-making processes, the comprehensive index system comprises two sub-systems representing the two decision-making processes, i.e. the evaluation index system for the selective subscription and the evaluation index system in support of decision to continue or cancel the existing subscriptions. The former is largely a qualitative index system, consisting of 27 indices falling into three categories — contents, retrieving system and service provider, while the latter is composed of 19 quantitative or semi-quantitative indices concerning the use and the cost.Third, the index system for e-resource evaluation is characterized by complex composition, clear hierarchies, substantial reliance on the experiences of the decision-maker and limited quantitative indices. Therefore, the author has adopted the AHP approach in constructing an integrated e-resource evaluation model capable of...