Search results

1 – 10 of over 8000
Article
Publication date: 22 May 2009

Mary Burke

The purpose of this paper is to discuss alternative definitions of and approaches to the semantic web. It aims to clarify the relationship between the semantic web, Web 2.0 and…

3829

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss alternative definitions of and approaches to the semantic web. It aims to clarify the relationship between the semantic web, Web 2.0 and Library 2.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review and evaluation of systems with semantic web features. It identifies and describes semantic web projects of relevance to libraries and evaluates the usefulness of JeromeDL and other social semantic digital library systems. It discusses actual and potential applications for libraries and makes recommendations for actions needed by researchers and practitioners.

Findings

The paper concludes that the library community has a lot to offer to, and benefit from, the semantic web, but there is limited interest in the library community. It recommends that there be greater collaboration between semantic web researchers and project developers, library management systems providers and the library community. Librarians should get involved in the development of semantic web standards, for example, metadata and taxonomies.

Originality/value

The paper clarifies the distinction between semantic web and Web 2.0 in a digital library environment. It evaluates and predicts future developments for operational systems.

Details

Aslib Proceedings, vol. 61 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0001-253X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2012

José L. Navarro‐Galindo and José Samos

Nowadays, the use of WCMS (web content management systems) is widespread. The conversion of this infrastructure into its semantic equivalent (semantic WCMS) is a critical issue…

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays, the use of WCMS (web content management systems) is widespread. The conversion of this infrastructure into its semantic equivalent (semantic WCMS) is a critical issue, as this enables the benefits of the semantic web to be extended. The purpose of this paper is to present a FLERSA (Flexible Range Semantic Annotation) for flexible range semantic annotation.

Design/methodology/approach

A FLERSA is presented as a user‐centred annotation tool for Web content expressed in natural language. The tool has been built in order to illustrate how a WCMS called Joomla! can be converted into its semantic equivalent.

Findings

The development of the tool shows that it is possible to build a semantic WCMS through a combination of semantic components and other resources such as ontologies and emergence technologies, including XML, RDF, RDFa and OWL.

Practical implications

The paper provides a starting‐point for further research in which the principles and techniques of the FLERSA tool can be applied to any WCMS.

Originality/value

The tool allows both manual and automatic semantic annotations, as well as providing enhanced search capabilities. For manual annotation, a new flexible range markup technique is used, based on the RDFa standard, to support the evolution of annotated Web documents more effectively than XPointer. For automatic annotation, a hybrid approach based on machine learning techniques (Vector‐Space Model + n‐grams) is used to determine the concepts that the content of a Web document deals with (from an ontology which provides a taxonomy), based on previous annotations that are used as a training corpus.

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2008

Jürgen Krause

To demonstrate that newer developments in the semantic web community, particularly those based on ontologies (simple knowledge organization system and others) mitigate common…

1431

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate that newer developments in the semantic web community, particularly those based on ontologies (simple knowledge organization system and others) mitigate common arguments from the digital library (DL) community against participation in the Semantic web.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a semantic web discussion focusing on the weak structure of the Web and the lack of consideration given to the semantic content during indexing.

Findings

The points criticised by the semantic web and ontology approaches are the same as those of the DL “Shell model approach” from the mid‐1990s, with emphasis on the centrality of its heterogeneity components (used, for example, in vascoda). The Shell model argument began with the “invisible web”, necessitating the restructuring of DL approaches. The conclusion is that both approaches fit well together and that the Shell model, with its semantic heterogeneity components, can be reformulated on the semantic web basis.

Practical implications

A reinterpretation of the DL approaches of semantic heterogeneity and adapting to standards and tools supported by the W3C should be the best solution. It is therefore recommended that – although most of the semantic web standards are not technologically refined for commercial applications at present – all individual DL developments should be checked for their adaptability to the W3C standards of the semantic web.

Originality/value

A unique conceptual analysis of the parallel developments emanating from the digital library and semantic web communities.

Details

Library Review, vol. 57 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2006

Juan Ignacio Vazquez, Diego López de Ipiña and Iñigo Sedano

Despite several efforts during the last years, the web model and semantic web technologies have not yet been successfully applied to empower Ubiquitous Computing architectures in…

Abstract

Despite several efforts during the last years, the web model and semantic web technologies have not yet been successfully applied to empower Ubiquitous Computing architectures in order to create knowledge‐rich environments populated by interconnected smart devices. In this paper we point out some problems of these previous initiatives and introduce SoaM (Smart Objects Awareness and Adaptation Model), an architecture for designing and seamlessly deploying web‐powered context‐aware semantic gadgets. Implementation and evaluation details of SoaM are also provided in order to identify future research challenges.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 2 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 August 2014

Sharon Q. Yang and Yan Yi Lee

This chapter aims to help librarians understand the underlying rationale for Resource Description and Access (RDA) and recognize the great potential of the Semantic Web for…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter aims to help librarians understand the underlying rationale for Resource Description and Access (RDA) and recognize the great potential of the Semantic Web for libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

It explains the linked data model and Semantic Web technologies in basic, informative terms, and describes how the Semantic Web is constructed. Semantic Web standards and technologies are discussed in detail, including URI, RDF, and ontologies. The study also traces the development of RDA and some of the major library Semantic Web projects. The authors explore how RDA shapes bibliographical data and prepares it for linked data in the Semantic Web. In addition, this study examines what libraries in the United States and the rest of the world have achieved in implementing RDA since its release.

Findings

RDA is the correct approach libraries should take.

Originality/value

This is the first and only chapter that covers the development of RDA in other countries as well as in the United States. It is highly informative for anyone who wishes to understand the RDA and Semantic Web and their relevance to libraries in a short period of time.

Details

New Directions in Information Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-559-3

Book part
Publication date: 4 October 2012

David Stuart

Purpose – To investigate the potential of the semantic web as a source of information about social networks within academia, as well as more widely for webometric…

Abstract

Purpose – To investigate the potential of the semantic web as a source of information about social networks within academia, as well as more widely for webometric investigations.

Methodology – The functionality of five semantic search engines were analyzed to determine their suitability for webometric investigations, with the most suitable, Sindice.com, then being used to investigate the use of Friend of a Friend (FOAF) within UK academic web space.

Findings – In comparison to the web of documents, the semantic web is still a small part of online content. Even the well-established FOAF social vocabulary was not found on the majority of academic web sites, let alone being found to represent the majority of academics, and provided little indication of social networks between institutions. Nonetheless from a webometric perspective the study does show the potential of a semantic web for a far wider range of webometric investigations, and demonstrates that, unlike the traditional web, there are currently useful tools available.

Implications – Having established that there are appropriate tools available for webometric investigations of the semantic web, and acknowledging the potential of the semantic web for far more detailed webometric investigations, there is a need for additional studies to determine the specific strengths and limitations of the tools that are available, and investigate those areas where webometric investigations can provide the most useful insights.

Originality/value – The research applies established webometric methodologies to the social semantic web, demonstrating the potential of a whole new area for future webometric investigation.

Details

Social Information Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-833-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Michael Calaresu and Ali Shiri

The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More…

2103

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More specifically, its aim is to shed light on the evolution of the Web and to highlight a previously proposed means of attempting to improve automated manipulation of Web-based data in the context of a rapidly expanding base of both users and digital content.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual analysis presented in this paper adopts a three-dimensional model for the discussion of Semantic Web. The first dimension focuses on Semantic Web’s basic nature, purpose and history, as well as the current state and limitations of modern search systems and related software agents. The second dimension focuses on critical knowledge structures such as taxonomies, thesauri and ontologies which are understood as fundamental elements in the creation of a Semantic Web architecture. In the third dimension, an alternative conceptual model is proposed, one, which unlike more commonly prevalent Semantic Web models, offers a greater emphasis on describing the proposed structure from an interpretive viewpoint, rather than a technical one. This paper adopts an interpretive, historical and conceptual approach to the notion of the Semantic Web by reviewing the literature and by analyzing the developments associated with the Web over the past three decades. It proposes a simplified conceptual model for easy understanding.

Findings

The paper provides a conceptual model of the Semantic Web that encompasses four key strata, namely, the body of human users, the body of software applications facilitating creation and consumption of documents, the body of documents themselves and a proposed layer that would improve automated manipulation of Web-based data by the software applications.

Research limitations/implications

This paper will facilitate a better conceptual understanding of the Semantic Web, and thereby contribute, in a small way, to the larger body of discourse surrounding it. The conceptual model will provide a reference point for education and research purposes.

Originality/value

This paper provides an original analysis of both conceptual and technical aspects of Semantic Web. The proposed conceptual model provides a new perspective on this subject.

Details

Library Review, vol. 64 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 September 2009

Bendik Bygstad, Gheorghita Ghinea and Geir‐Tore Klæboe

The purpose of this paper is to examine from a socio‐technical point of view the impact of semantic web technology on the strategic, organisational and technological levels. The…

1138

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine from a socio‐technical point of view the impact of semantic web technology on the strategic, organisational and technological levels. The semantic web initiative holds great promise for the future for digital libraries. There is, however, a considerable gap in semantic web research between the contributions in the technological field and research in the organisational field.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive case study of the National Library of Norway (NL) is conducted, building on two major sources of information: the documentation of the digitising project of the NL; and interviews with nine different stakeholders at three levels of NL's organisation during June to August 2007. Top managers are interviewed on strategy, middle managers and librarians are interviewed regarding organisational issues and ICT professionals are interviewed on technology issues.

Findings

The findings indicate that the highest impact will be at the organisational level. This is mainly because inter‐organisational and cross‐organisational structures have to be established to address the problems of ontology engineering, and a development framework for ontology engineering in digital libraries must be examined.

Originality/value

ICT professionals and library practitioners should be more mindful of organisational issues when planning and executing semantic web projects in digital libraries. In particular, practitioners should be aware that the ontology engineering process and the semantic meta‐data production will affect the entire organisation. For public digital libraries this probably will also call for a more open policy towards user groups to properly manage the process of ontology engineering.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Holger Lausen, Ying Ding, Michael Stollberg, Dieter Fensel, Rubén Lara Hernández and Sung‐Kook Han

To present the state of the arts application of semantic web technologies in web portals and corresponding achievable improvements for identifying the potential improvement made

3599

Abstract

Purpose

To present the state of the arts application of semantic web technologies in web portals and corresponding achievable improvements for identifying the potential improvement made by semantic web technology.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation scheme is proposed to investigate various web portals that make use of semantic web technologies in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This scheme consists of three layers: information access, information processing and grounding technologies. Two academic portals and two commercial portals are selected based on the definition of semantic web portal. Detailed evaluation based on the proposed scheme is conducted on these four select portals.

Findings

Semantic web technologies can definitely increase the information consistency and the information processing quality of web portals by using ontologies to model portal structure and consensus knowledge. Furthermore, semantic web services will be acting as the key technologies to lift current portals to next level.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an elaborated evaluation method for investigating various portals. It reveals the current status of semantic web applications in web portals.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2018

Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Rubina Bhatti

The purpose of this paper is to explore useful Semantic Web technologies and ontology-based applications for digital libraries. It also investigates the perceptions of university…

1507

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore useful Semantic Web technologies and ontology-based applications for digital libraries. It also investigates the perceptions of university librarians and academicians in Pakistan about Semantic Web technologies and their use in digital libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design based on Delphi research strategy was conducted to answer the research questions. Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 50 key informants including university librarians and academicians to explore their perceptions about Semantic Web technologies and their use in digital libraries. Thematic analysis of interview data was conducted to obtain results.

Findings

The results of this paper showed that DuraCloud, Semantic information mashup, OntoEdit and resource description framework (RDF) are the various Semantic Web applications which are useful for digital libraries to develop semantic relationships among digital contents and increase their accessibility in the web environment. Findings revealed that Semantic Web provides precise results and meets user information needs in an effective way. Results also showed that next-generation digital libraries use context-awareness technology, intelligent agent software and detecting sensors to analyze user information needs and provide dynamic information services. This paper recommended that librarians should embrace the use of emerging web technologies in libraries and offer library services through the medium of the web.

Practical implications

This paper envisaged the future of digital library services and Semantic Web applications that can be used to re-structure metadata of digital library. This paper has practical implications for librarians to consider the useful applications of Semantic Web for digital library and enhance the interoperability of metadata among heterogeneous information systems. Practically, results obtained from this paper are highly useful for library schools and LIS teachers to up-date their curriculum by incorporating new contents related to web languages and Semantic Web applications for digital libraries.

Originality/value

This paper identifies various Semantic Web applications which are useful for developing Semantic Digital Libraries.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 8000