A Framework for Evaluating User Engagement in Digital Library Platforms

Thesis Abstract

Digital libraries have become essential repositories for academic, professional, and leisure information, yet the fluctuating levels of user engagement remain a significant challenge affecting their effectiveness and sustainability. Despite numerous technological innovations in digital library platforms, understanding and systematically evaluating user engagement remains underdeveloped, particularly through comprehensive frameworks that integrate behavioral, functional, and emotional dimensions of user interaction. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to develop a robust evaluative framework for user engagement tailored specifically to digital library platforms, thereby enabling better measurement, understanding, and enhancement of user experiences. The primary objectives are to identify key constructs of user engagement in digital libraries, examine the influence of technological, institutional, and personal factors on engagement levels, and operationalize these insights into a practical, adaptable framework that can guide platform design and policy. Guided by a review of the literature and relevant theoretical lenses—the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Engagement Theory—the study posits that user engagement is a multifaceted construct influenced by system quality, perceived value, and user motivation, among other factors. The research hypotheses suggest positive relationships between system usability, content relevance, and engagement levels, as well as moderation effects of user demographics. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative focus group insights. The population comprises users of digital library platforms within academic institutions nationwide, totaling approximately 5,000 registered users. A stratified random sampling technique yields a sample size of 400 respondents, ensuring proportional representation across gender, age groups, academic disciplines, and levels of digital literacy. Data collection instruments include a structured questionnaire validated through expert review and pilot testing, alongside semi-structured focus group guides. Quantitative data are analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships, while thematic content analysis is employed for qualitative data to elucidate contextual factors influencing engagement. Expected findings are anticipated to identify significant determinants of user engagement, including system interactivity, perceived usefulness, content personalization, and motivational factors such as academic aspirations or leisure interests. The SEM analysis is expected to confirm the mediating role of perceived ease of use and system quality, thus supporting the development of a comprehensive framework that encompasses technological, behavioral, and emotional elements of engagement. These findings are projected to contribute to theoretical refinement by integrating TAM and Engagement Theory within the digital library context, offering a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying user interaction. The study's contributions include the development of a validated, adaptable evaluation framework that digital library administrators and policymakers can employ to diagnose engagement issues and implement targeted interventions. The framework advances existing models by integrating multidimensional engagement indicators, thereby providing a holistic assessment tool. The research also highlights the importance of aligning platform features with user motivations and contextual needs, fostering sustainable engagement practices. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical role of user engagement in enhancing digital library usage and satisfaction, proposing a theoretically grounded and empirically validated framework that bridges current gaps. Recommendations include adopting user-centered design approaches, improving system usability, and conducting regular engagement assessments based on the framework. Future research avenues involve longitudinal studies to evaluate engagement over time and testing the framework across diverse cultural and institutional settings to enhance its generalizability.