How should an evaluation plan be organized: Logistics

The Logistics section of the evaluation plan describes who will be responsible for evaluation implementation , analysis, and reporting. It usually includes some sort of timeline that illustrates the logical dependencies among various evaluation activities. Evaluation data are often time-sensitive. Keeping track of when, where, and how various data need to be collected requires strong project management skills, and a large-scale evaluation team may even include someone whose sole function is the management of the logistical arrangements for an evaluation.

One advantage of implementing an evaluation of digital libraries is that some data can be collected online. However, if data are collected online, it is important to make users aware of such strategies. You should also keep any evaluation data separated from any information about the user's online activity not needed by the evaluation. Here is a brief example of a Logistics section:

LOGISTICS:

Bill Biggs and Tracey Toliver will coordinate the implementation of this evaluation plan, including scheduling, data collection , and data handling, with the DLEE development staff. The primary point of contact will be Jane Jones, who is the DLEE project manager. All data will be processed, analyzed, interpreted, and reported by Bill Biggs and Tracey Toliver. All reports will be provided to the DLEE project manager and members of the development team. Further dissemination of the evaluation findings to stakeholders at NAAEP, ASF, and beyond will be determined by the project manager. Additional details about the logistics, including due dates for deliverables, can be found in the timeline presented in Appendix D.

The Logistics section of an evaluation plan should answer the following questions:

Who is responsible for the logistical aspects of the evaluation such as scheduling, data collection, processing, analysis, and so forth?
Who will receive the evaluation reports generated by the evaluators?
How will further dissemination of the evaluation reports be controlled?