Feasibility study of a natural disaster information management open-access repository (NDIM-OAR) applying the PSI techniques
Description
The present research is among the first multi-disaster, multi-stakeholder feasibility studies in LIS applying an exclusive newly-developed framework. Applying the PSI technique, authors examined the opinions of five natural disaster information management (NDIM) stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of an NDIM-open-access repository in Iran. The context-based TELOS-extended (TELOS-CB) framework developed by Rashidi (2020) has been used as the feasibility framework. The dataset was formed by collecting data from 20 experts consisted of 4 individuals from each stakeholder groups (governmental organizations, public institutions, research centers, non-governmental organizations, and library and information science specialist). They population all had at least 15 years of professional experience in and they were chosen from experts that had specialized experience in the fields of NDIM/IT. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data. in an Excel-format questionnaire which was sent to each of the participants by email (May 2020). The questionnaire items were designed based on the TELOS-CB framework. This questionnaire included a table with 44 rows (sub-factors affecting the creation of an NDIM-OAR) intersected with 7 feasibility dimensions (TELOS-CB) appeared in columns. The participants were asked to express their opinions about the feasibility dimensions for each sub-factor in the form of verbal variables (5-score Likert scale; 5=the most feasible, 1= the least feasible). The findings revealed that the NDIM-OAR is “technical”ly more feasible, while the “cultural” dimension has been considered the most challenging. NGOs have the largest scoring range and governmental stakeholders have the most coherent scoring. Based on the results, despite all he observed heterogeneity of data, type and level of NDIM stakeholders, creating a thematic OAR as a set of network-like and interconnected information systems and services, can be considered as a potential solution to improve information management among the stakeholders. More in-depth, cross-disciplinary studies are required to reach a more comprehensive and solid decision for an NDIM-OAR in Iran. The dataset contains 3 excel files: the participants' demographic data, the questionnaire (TELOS-CB feasibility framework, and the data gathered which organized according to the steps of PSI technique, for each and all of the stakeholders studied. The framework could be used as an instrument for similar surveys in similar context, developed and adapted to different context, and creating a base for comparisons and building knowledge in a wider context. Moreover, the data provide further understand on the Multiple Criteria Decision Making research methods, the PSI in particular, in the field of library and information science (LIS). The data could also provide a basis for both qualitative and quantitative hypothesis-based and critical-analytical researches in the fields of NDIM/IT.