| Summary: | Library information system (LIS) is a large and important system that comprises of many components .Digital reference service (DRS) is a module in LIS that provide facility for user to request help from a librarian. The librarian also responds to the request by using the DRS module. In most cases users do not get satisfied while using digital reference service due to delay of response, or no response or due to librarian giving an irrelevant solution to the problem submitted by the user. Since web services applications allow communication and interoperability between different devices, then, the researchers used their technology to propose a model for DRS of LIS. At the first stage, the DRS application model is developed using a combination of three different existing models. They are: Han and Goulding library reference service model, Web services framework and Question/answer transaction protocol model (QATP) Model. The second stage involved a conventional approach where the model?s informal specifications were constructed based on natural language. In the third stage, in order to prevent the problem of ambiguity faced with natural language, the informal specifications were converted into formal specifications. The formal specifications are developed using Z language. Z specifications can be rigorously verified and validated leading to early detection of errors and hence reduction in development time and cost. The correctness, consistency and unambiguity of the developed Z specifications were proved with Z/EVES theorem prover tool. The proposed DRS model offers both synchronous and asynchronous service. It solved the problem associated with the previous DRS models which only offers asynchronous service to the library users. Furthermore, the new model also provides for platform independence and can be accessed easily through internet. The proposed model is suitable to be adapted by both large and small libraries as web services technology is effortless to be incorporated in the existing infrastructure.
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