The application of ontologies in digital library: a meta-synthesis approach

Objective: , the present study examines the current status of the use of ontologies in the digital library area through the analysis of studies in this field. Methodology: The present research is a qualitative study using the meta-synthesis method. In order to collect data in this study, the library method, and to analyze data the seventh-step process of Sandelowski & Barroso for meta-synthesis was used. The research population of the study includes related studies (articles and dissertations) in the area of ontology applications in digital libraries retrieved from scientific databases. CASP evaluation checklist was used to ensure the quality of the studies. Finally, out of 267 retrieved studies, 43 titles were selected and analyzed. Findings: Analysis of studies in the area of ontology application in the digital library led to the identification of 4 categories, 8 components, and 48 dimensions in this field. The main categories include the application of ontology in digital library services, the application of ontology in digital library structures, the basis of ontology application in digital libraries, and the application of ontologies in covering the subject domain of digital libraries. Originality: In this study, which seems to have never been done before, a comprehensive analysis of the field of ontology application in digital libraries, the current situation and its dimensions were presented. Also, by clarifying the topics that have been less addressed, new research subjects were provided for researchers in this field.