New Working Paper: "Evaluating the Impact of Open Data Websites"

Via the Social Science Research Network

Title: “Evaluating the Impact of Open Data Websites”

Author: Eleonore Fournier-Tombs

Affiliation: Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, Faculty of Information, http://kmdi.utoronto.ca/

Note:

Paper prepared for submission at: A Decade of Internet Time: Symposium on the Dynamics of Internet and Society, Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford University

Abstract:

Over the past few years, the steady increase in the number of government open data websites has led to a call for appropriate evaluation tools. While some (Noveck, 2009) have expressed optimism as to the potential of government open data, others (Coglianese, 2009; Hindman, 2009) have been more hesitant. This paper therefore aims to answer the following question: how does one evaluate the success of open data websites in reaching democratic objectives? In doing so, it explores past academic studies and examines the researcher’s experience with interpretive inquiry. Using Data.gov as an example, it argues that survey-based research, a common tool in information systems analysis, may not be suited to open data websites. Instead, it suggests a content analysis methodology, which hopes to inform future research on the subject.

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See Also: The Author is a Student at the U. of Toronto iSchool. She was an intern at the UN this summer.

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