Proposing an Optimal Model for the Usability of Semantic Web Technologies in the Library Information Storage and Retrieval System and its Evaluation

This article proposes an optimal model based on expert opinions by modeling variance-based structural equations.

A Delphi panel and quantitative confirmatory factor analysis were utilized  Data collecting tool was  questionnaire. Twelve specialists in the field of application of Semantic Web technologies participated in the study. Variance-based structural equations and partial least squares modeling were carried out for data analysis using Smart PLS software

Conceptual model of usability of semantic web technologies in library information storage and retrieval systems indicated semantic web technologies could be employed for four acquisition, organizing, OPAC, and user profile sections. The test of the conceptual model was run in three steps by estimating the goodness-of-fit indexes for the measurement model, the structural model, and the overall model. In fitting the measurement model, analysis of the factor loads for the items of each component showed that one item of the organization component and one item of the OPAC component with a factor load of less than 0.4 were removed. The result of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed 18 items out of 20 in the questionnaire.  Cronbach's alpha reliability and combined reliability ensured the reliability of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha values and the combined reliability were equal to and higher than 0.7, confirming the optimal reliability of the questionnaire. Significant relationships  were noticed between the following: 1) ontology+ SKOS + linked data and organization, acquisition, and OPAC components to perform activities such as organizing and managing knowledge, 2) links between metadata; links between related resources, 3) conversion of bibliographic information to RDF format, 4) dissemination and sharing of data, 5) user-friendly interfaces< 6) lexical control, 7) user query expansion. Meaningful ranking of search results according to user information needs and significant relationships between FOAF + linked data in the OPAC components confirmed the optimal fit of the structural model.  Overall fit of the model to control the measurement model and the structural model was equal to 0.64, which shows that the fit of the overall model has a very high strength.

Paying attention to the incorporating of Semantic Web technologies in the library information storage and retrieval system leads to the selection, storage, organization, and semantic retrieval of information. It creates a semantic connection and interaction between the user and the library system. As such, it provides a semantic response to the user’s information needs. The acceptable goodness-of-fit of the proposed model confirmed the semanticization of library systems and probability of using capabilities of semantic web technologies.