Context-aware systems: concept, functions and applications in digital libraries

Background and Aim Among the places that context-aware systems and services would be very useful, are libraries. The purpose of this study is to achieve a coherent definition of context aware systems and applications, especially in digital libraries. Method: This was a review article that was conducted by using Library method by searching articles and e-books on websites and databases. Results: Findings of this study indicate that context-aware services in digital libraries by understanding specific conditions of each user - such as demographic characteristics, time position, location and collecting and analyzing of its data - could provide smart and appropriate services. Conclusion: Digital libraries are constantly evolving and moving forward and must coordinate themselves with on-going changes. Equipping libraries with context-aware services lead them to best meet information needs of their users, without limitation of time and place.