Blockchain Technology Applications in Search and Information Retrieval in the Digital Environment for Libraries: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Blockchain technology is one of the latest technology trends in libraries. There is no arguing that blockchain has excellent potential applications in modern libraries. It is basically a ledger technology that uses encryption techniques and distributed consensus algorithms to obtain traceability and immutability features. Libraries have taken advantage of these features. In carrying out various operations such as maintaining and sharing trusted information, preventing copyright issues, peer-to-peer digital sharing; Blockchain technology also has the ability to transform libraries from just digital libraries to smart libraries. The benefits of blockchain technology for libraries come in its ability to improve and recommend smart information retrieval services to provide users and the community of library beneficiaries with smart and advanced knowledge services.Accordingly, the study aimed to define the conceptual framework of Blockchain technology and its areas of use in libraries and information centers, and focused on studying and analyzing its applications in improving retrieval, by examining the role played by Blockchain technology in improving metadata and indexing, and how this is useful in Improving information query and its impact on improving the quality and efficiency of retrieval.The study came out in a methodological introduction and five chapters. The methodological introduction dealt with the general framework of the study, the methodological framework, and the review of the subject literature, through which the researcher clarified the problem of the study, its objectives, and the method used