Besim Kokollari ________________________________ Building the Collection of the National Digital Library of Kosova: Users’ Expectations Master thesis International Master in Digital Library Learning 2009 Abstract Building the Collection of the National Digital Library of Kosova: Users’ Expectations by Besim Kokollari This mixed qualitative/quantitative exploratory case study research is informed by a constructivist approach. Its aim is to identify user-based content selection criteria for the national digital library of Kosova. The study aimed at providing answers to two following objectives a) to explore expectations of experts and users about the content of a national digital library; b) to identify Library’s potential collaborative channels with other institutions within Kosova and abroad. These objectives are met using two channels of information: a) interviews with five experts in certain fields of knowledge, and; b) survey questionnaires with one hundred and eighty-eight users and potential users of the National and University Library of Kosova. This research reaches the conclusion that selection criteria are of utmost importance to a successful user-oriented national digital library. Proper content selection criteria were also considered to play a crucial role in the dissemination of Kosova’s historical and cultural heritage to the outer world. Reciprocally, it is considered as a window to Kosovars to access world’s information richness through building cooperation links with various institutions within and without the country. At the end, this research provides a few recommendations that may be useful to decision- makers and those undertaking a national digital library initiative in Kosova. Those include recommendations about territorial scope of the collection, field and thematic coverage, language scope, document type and format, and possible collaboration links that the national digital library should build in order to provide access to proper information to its audience. Since the literature reviewed indicates that the National and University Library of Kosova does not have any selection criteria or collection development policies in place, it makes this research a unique one in Kosovar context. Therefore, this user-based research aimed at providing viable and useful information that are applicable in Kosovar context and may be transferable to a wider Albanian context in the Balkans. Master thesis International Master in Digital Library Learning 2009 ii Table of Contents Abstract............................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgement........................................................................................................... vi Declaration and Plagiarism Disclaimer .......................................................................... vii Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem ..................................................................................... 3 Chapter I ........................................................................................................................... 6 A BRIEF BACKGROUND TO KOSOVA’S LIBRARIES ........................................ 6 Kosova Library Legal Framework ........................................................................... 8 Law on Libraries................................................................................................... 8 Copyright Law.................................................................................................... 10 Cooperation of the National and University Library of Kosova with Other Libraries ................................................................................................................................ 12 Library Activities.................................................................................................... 14 Library Organizations............................................................................................. 15 The Image of the National and University Library of Kosova............................... 15 Kosova Memory ..................................................................................................... 16 Current Situation of Digital Services ..................................................................... 17 Chapter II........................................................................................................................ 23 LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................... 23 Models of National Digital Libraries.......................................................................... 23 Euorpeana ............................................................................................................... 25 Governance......................................................................................................... 25 Sustainability ...................................................................................................... 26 Preservation ........................................................................................................ 27 Content organization .......................................................................................... 28 Collection selection criteria................................................................................ 28 American Memory.................................................................................................. 29 Governance......................................................................................................... 29 Sustainability ...................................................................................................... 30 Preservation ........................................................................................................ 31 Content organization .......................................................................................... 33 Selection criteria................................................................................................. 33 French National Digital Library (Gallica).............................................................. 34 Governance......................................................................................................... 34 Sustainability ...................................................................................................... 35 Preservation ........................................................................................................ 36 Content organization .......................................................................................... 37 Selection criteria................................................................................................. 38 Use and Users’ Expectations of National Digital Libraries ....................................... 39 Chapter III....................................................................................................................... 46 METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................... 46 Exploratory nature of the study .......................................................................... 46 Participants in the study...................................................................................... 47 Data collection technique ................................................................................... 48 Analysis procedure ............................................................................................. 52 Verification......................................................................................................... 53 Target audience................................................................................................... 54 iii Limitations.......................................................................................................... 54 Chapter IV ...................................................................................................................... 55 FINDINGS ................................................................................................................. 55 1. Suggestions from Expert ........................................................................................ 55 Geographical Scope................................................................................................ 55 Historical Related Content ..................................................................................... 56 Historical periods................................................................................................ 56 Historical events ................................................................................................. 59 Historical, outstanding figures............................................................................ 59 Historical documents .......................................................................................... 61 Literary Related Content ........................................................................................ 62 Literary periods................................................................................................... 62 Literary documents............................................................................................. 62 Literary authors..................................................................................................