This article describes an evaluation technique used to assess
the services of the Montana Natural Resource Information System
(NRIS). With the goal of improving NRIS services, and after
considering several evaluation options, the choice was made to
conduct a user survey based on a combination of non-random
stratified and snowball sampling in order to discern patterns of
use. The authors conclude that this type of evaluation may be
valid for other digital collections that serve as clearinghouses
for specific types of digital information. The Montana Natural
Resource Information System (NRIS) was created in 1985 as a
division of the State Library of Montana. Currently, NRIS is an
integral part of the state library's digital library initiative.
Its role is to serve as a clearinghouse and access point for
state natural resource information. There are three primary
components in the NRIS Web site and digital collection: In its
unique position as a program of the state library, NRIS is a
neutral, non-biased source