Book Classification and Recommendation for University Libraries using Grey Correlation and Bayesian Probability
Authors: Cui Fang , Gao Liang 
Published: June 2024

In today’s information era, collaborative filtering algorithms are widely used and their distinct knowledge discovery techniques can effectively address numerous issues. However, conventional collaborative filtering algorithms encounter cold-start and data sparsity issues, which restrict their performance and accuracy. The study selected the multi-feature method to improve the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm, and introduced gray correlation calculation and Bayesian probability for user preference analysis. A learning resource recommendation model based on collaborative filtering was developed by comparing the target user’s characteristics with those of other users, calculating their similarity, selecting users with high similarity to the target user and forming a neighbor set. Using Bayesian probability and grey correlation to analyze user preferences in library systems can be well applied in book classification and recommendation problems in university libraries. The computing layer, which includes the collaborative filtering calculation stage and the group recommendation calculation stage, is the model’s main functional component. The smaller the value of mean absolute error, the higher the prediction accuracy of the model. The mean absolute error value of the multi-feature collaborative filtering algorithm was inferior to the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm, indicating that the classification accuracy of the former is higher than that of the latter. When the training set to test set ratio steadily became bigger, the mean absolute error value reached the lowest and smoothest point at 80%. In dataset A, the minimum mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.765 and 0.809. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.044. In dataset B, the mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.796 and 0.836. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.040. In dataset C, the minimum mean absolute error values of multi-feature collaborative filtering and collaborative filtering were 0.815 and 0.848. Compared with traditional filtering algorithms, the mean absolute error value has decreased by 0.033. When the accuracy was the highest; the mean absolute error value was the smallest at the grey correlation, which means that the technique improves the reliability of the recommendations compared with other methods. This means that the method has a positive impact on the accuracy of the recommendations compared to other methods. Grey correlation degree can comprehensively consider the interrelationships between multiple factors, handle uncertain and incomplete information, and explore potential user needs and behavior patterns. The implementation of the grey correlation degree has transformed the collaborative filtering algorithm into a group filtering algorithm, thereby enhancing its precision. The research on book classification and recommendation in university libraries, which enhances the group filtering algorithm, can address a range of issues such as improving classification accuracy, augmenting recommendation diversity, enhancing library management efficiency among others. This, in turn, enables more precise book recommendations to users.