RE-ENGINEERING ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LIBRARY SERVICES IN KENYA THROUGH SEMANTIC WEB

Abstract

Abstract Semantic web is the third generation of the Internet services that collectively comprise the intelligent web and is the foundation of Web 3.0. The emergence of the semantic web was aware, moment-relevant and intelligent web which is about describing and interconnecting standardised languages and descriptions. Its power lies in the linking of data rendering 3.0 is envisioned to resolve the problem caused by the disorganisation of information and usable information. Semantic web addresses this challenge by creating a web of of the web. The information environment in which academic and research libraries in Kenya currently operate has changed drastically as a result of the impact of the emerging information and communication technologies on how library users seek, access, use This scenario has brought the relevance of libraries to focus. To survive, academic and research libraries need to reengineer their services to meet the needs of the users more closely than they are doing now. This study investigated the potential of the semantic web in facilitating the reengineering of services of academic and research libraries in Kenya. Primary data for this study was collected through key informant interviews with academic and research librarians selected through information-oriented purposive sampling. Additional secondary data was collected through documentary analysis. The research library services through enhanced library intelligence, organisation, federation, research libraries to design and deploy services on semantic web platforms.