Cataloging & Metadata Pathfinder
Linked Open Data for Libraries
Basics
This resource is for new library science students interested in the area of cataloging and metadata librarianship and for professionals looking to identify resources for professional development and continuing education in the face of changing technologies.
Library linked open data is a relatively new trend, however, there have been major initiatives through research groups and ongoing research, publication in scholarly journals, and subject-specific reference books.
This bibliographic reference pathfinder puts together a selection of resources for library linked open data with reference books, a selection of recent scholarly journal articles, relevant periodicals to stay on top of emerging research and discourse, websites with relevant information, informative videos, and professional organization resources for cataloging and metadata professionals to provide best practices, guidance, and training opportunities.
The variety of resources was selected for its subject content to capture resources most likely to be lasting sources of information for library linked open data research.
Written Resources
Reference Books
Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums : How to Clean, Link and Publish Your Metadata by Seth van Hooland and Ruben Verborgh (2014)
This print and online resource is available online through the USM library catalog, or available for purchase from ALA, direct from the publisher (Facet Publishing), or through other online book sellers. It is aimed at library technical services professionals and others interested in linked open data and provides practical guidelines and steps for transforming existing metadata and creating new linked data for the Semantic Web.
Authors are Seth van Hooland, assistant professor of Information and Communication Science at the Université libre de Bruxelles, who has professional experience in digitization, document and records management, and linked data, and Ruben Verborgh, a computer science engineer and researcher working on semantic web technologies.
This resource includes sections introducing the subject of metadata in libraries, modeling of linked data, cleaning and maintenance of datasets, reconciliation of data with controlled vocabularies, enrichment of data through data mining and crowd sourcing of data, and publishing of open linked data on the semantic web. The book provides case studies throughout and note and references, along with an index.
Subject Headings:
Linked data; Libraries and museums--Electronic information resources; Archives--Electronic information resources
Hooland, S. van, & Verborgh, R. (2014). Linked Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums :
How to Clean, Link and Publish Your Metadata. London: Facet Publishing.
Managing Metadata in Web-scale Discovery Systems by Louise F. Spiteri (2016)
This print and online resource is available online through the USM library catalog, or available for purchase from ALA, direct from the publisher (Facet Publishing), or through other online book sellers. It includes articles by various authors on topics related to linked open data, including sections introducing web-based discovery, shared metadata across varying discovery platforms, management of linked open data, library resources in web discovery systems, managing the volume of web-based metadata, and outsourcing and user-generated metadata, including references and notes within each article chapter and an index.
Contributors include Marshall Breeding, consultant, speaker, and writer on library technology; Danoosh Davoodi, researcher and information technology professional with expertise in linked data and library and Semantic Web technologies; Christine DeZelar-Tiedman, metadata and cataloging librarian at the University of Minnesota’s Archives and Special Collections Metadata Unit; Angela Kroeger, cataloging librarian and Archives and Special Collection Associate with the University of Nebraska, Omaha; Heather Moulaison Sandy, assistant professor of metadata and information science at the University of Missouri iSchool; Ali Shiri, professor and researcher in digital libraries at the University of Alberta, Edmonton; Louise F. Spiteri, editor and associate professor and research in metadata and information management at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Laurel Tarulli, librarian, author, and adjunct professor with specialties in advanced cataloging; and Aaron Tay, Library Analytics Manager at Singapore Management University.
Subject Headings:
Information storage and retrieval systems; Cataloging; Metadata—Management; Linked data; Online library catalogs
Spiteri, L. F. (2016). Managing Metadata in Web-scale Discovery Systems. London: Facet
Publishing.
Linked Data for Cultural Heritage edited by Ed Jones and Michele Seikel (2016)
This print resource is aimed at practitioners, students, and researchers in the field of library, archive, and museum metadata management, providing a current picture of linked open data in the community. A publication of Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), this resource provides a review of practice and use cases for linked open data in libraries, archives, and museums. The content includes articles on uses of linked open data in cultural heritage institutions, transforming MARC to linked data compatible records, authority control in a Semantic Web environment, controlled vocabularies, and use studies of Schema.org and BIBFRAME. This resource includes and index.
The list of contributors includes Hilary K. Thorsen and M. Christina Pattuelli, Carl Stahmer, Allison Jai O’Dell, Iker Huerga and Michael P. Lauruhn, Carol Jean Godby, and Sally McCallum. Editors Ed Jones, cataloger, scholar and expert in conceptual data models, and Michele Seikel, Professor of Digital Resources and Discovery Services at Oklahoma State University, provide and introduction.
Subject Headings:
Linked data; Linked data--Case studies; Semantic Web; RDF (Document markup language); BIBFRAME (Conceptual model); Authority files (Information retrieval); Machine-readable bibliographic data formats; Cultural property--Electronic information resources.
Jones, E. & Seikel, M. (2016). Linked Data for Cultural Heritage. Chicago, IL: American
Library Association.
Journals to Follow
Cataloging & Classification Quarterly
Cataloging & Classification Quarterly is a refereed, scholarly journal published eight times per year by Routledge (an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group), available in both print and online formats. Providing both theoretical and applied practice of library technical services, this journal is a wealth of information for students interested in cataloging and professionals wanting to keep up with current trends in the field.
This journal is abstracted and indexes, appearing in full text from various subscription services, including EBSCOhost, OCLC’s Electronic Collections Online for 1981-2011, ProQuest, and from various other databases, and is indexed and abstracted by Library & Information Science Source, and Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), among databases (Ulrichs Web, n.d., Cataloging & Classification Quarterly).
Cataloging & Classification Quarterly has been in publication since 1981, providing “full-length research and review articles, descriptions of new programs and technology relevant to cataloging and classification, considered speculative articles on improved methods of bibliographic control for the future, and solicited book reviews.” (Taylor & Francis Group, n.d., par. 4)
Cataloging & Classification Quarterly. (1981- ). Philadelphia, PA: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Print ISSN: 0163-9374; Online ISSN: 1544-4554
Library Technology Reports
Library Technology Reports is a refereed, scholarly journal published eight times years by the American Library Association. Currently published under the ALA imprint ALA TechSource, the journal began in 1965 and is available in print and online.
The journal is available through subscription and is indexed in full text on a number of databases, including EBSCOhost Academic Search Premiere, Library & Information Science Source (LISS), Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Information Science & Technology Abstracts (ISTA), ProQuest, and Lexis Nexis.
Each issue covers a single topic of technology advancements in the library environment (Ulrichs Web, n.d., Library Technology Reports). The aim of this journal is to provide current, applicable information and resources for librarians to support implementation or purchase for library environments. Recent issues have spotlighted emerging technology topics of artificial intelligence and machine learning, trends in index-based discovery services, library integration with learning management systems, open source library services platforms, and the use of metadata to improve library visibility.
Library Technology Reports. (2001- ). Chicago, IL: ALA TechSource.
Print ISSN: 0024-2586; Online ISSN: 1945-4538
Journal of Library Metadata
The Journal of Library Metadata (formerly the Journal of Internet Cataloging prior to 2008) is a refereed, scholarly journal, published quarterly since 1997 by Routledge (an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group).
Full-text is available in print and online by subscription to services such as Library & Information Science Source and LISTA, and the journal is indexed in multiple databases, including EBSCOhost’s Library & Information Science Source, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Information Science & Technology Abstracts (ISTA) (Ulrichs Web, n.d., Journal of Library Metadata).
With its focus on library metadata and the emerging technological trends of digital resource management and discovery, this journal provides a useful source of information for cataloging and metadata professionals. Subjects covered by this journal include digital resource management, metadata schemas and ontologies, transforming metadata and interoperability, and other emerging issues pertinent to cataloging and metadata librarians.s.
Journal of Library Metadata. (1997- ). Philadelphia, PA: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
Print ISSN: 1938-6389; Online ISSN: 1937-5034
Journal Articles
Using linked open data to enhance the discoverability, functionality and impact of Emblematica Online (2017)
This journal article presents a project that enhances existing special collection metadata in a Semantic Web accessible Resource Description Framework (RDF) to improve the discoverability of primary source books for scholarly research. Utilizing Semantic Web technologies, such as an XML-based metadata schema and Schema.org ontology, the authors transformed their records with uniform resource identifiers (URIs), illustrating the possible applications of linked open data for special libraries and the value created for resource discovery for cultural heritage institutions looking for case studies and guidance in planning linked data projects.
Particularly in terms of increasing scholarly activity for hard to access resources like archival and special collection materials, the authors show the significant value linked open data can provide. Author keywords include Emblems, Linked data, Metadata transformations, Resource Description Framework, and Special collections.
Subject Headings:
Linked data (Semantic Web); Metadata; Library special collections; Semantic Web; RDF (Document markup language)
Cole, T. W., Han, M.-J. K., Janina Sarol, M., Biel, M., & Maus, D. (2017). Using linked open
data to enhance the discoverability, functionality and impact of Emblematica Online. Library Hi Tech, 35(1), 159–178. https://doi-org.lynx.lib.usm.edu/10.1108/LHT-11-2016-0126
Quality of Linked Bibliographic Data: The Models, Vocabularies, and Links of Data Sets Published by Four National Libraries (2017)
This journal article presents an analysis of four national library linked open datasets. Many early adopters of Semantic Web technology and linked open data include national libraries, and here the authors review LOD from Spain, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
When researching linked data, one comes across the five-star standard: that linked data is shared via named HTTP URIs that fit the Resource Description Framework (RDF) structure of subject-relationship-object. The authors conclude that while each of these early adopters of LOD are utilizing five-star data practices, the usage of datasets by consumers has limitations that relate to transformations of legacy data and the data models used by library communities.
These difficulties and realities of practically applying new technologies to old organization systems is important for library professionals to understand as we continue to move forward into the Semantic Web.
Subject Headings:
Bibliographic databases; National libraries; Linked data (Semantic Web); Data quality; Vocabulary
Tallerås, K. (2017). Quality of Linked Bibliographic Data: The Models, Vocabularies, and
Links of Data Sets Published by Four National Libraries. Journal of Library Metadata, 17(2), 126–155. https://doi-org.lynx.lib.usm.edu/10.1080/19386389.2017.1355166
Library Linked Data: Early Activity and Development (2016)
In this issue length summary of the current state of Semantic Web technologies and adoption of linked open data by library, museum, and archival institutions, the author presents to readers pertinent technologies, case studies, and areas of interest.
Beginning with a summary of a survey of US cultural heritage institutions, the author identifies relevant models and ontologies, as well as which technologies are being used in projects. This helpful article directs readers to resources and standards, and provides direction for research and next steps in Semantic Web projects for catalogers and metadata professionals.
Challenges and trends are presented, along with discussions of potential direction for library linked data efforts, including a look at BIBFRAME and the potentially competing BIBFRAME Lite, the BIBFLOW project, and currently used data models, ontologies, and utilities for transforming or creating linked metadata.
Subject Headings:
Linked data (Semantic Web); Libraries; Archives; Museums; BIBFRAME (Conceptual model); Semantic Web
Mitchell, E. T. (2016). Library Linked Data: Early Activity and Development. Library
Technology Reports, 52(1), 5–33. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lls&AN=111864256&site=ehost-live
Online Resources
Websites
Library Linked Data Incubator Group: Datasets, Value Vocabularies, and Metadata Element Sets
This web page delivers curated links, reports, vocabularies, datasets, and other relevant resources for library professionals interested in linked open data. A product of the Library Linked Data Incubator Group established by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) in 2011, this webpage and the linked final report provide a thorough jumping in point for information on linked data and the Semantic Web.
This resource introduces the Data Hub, a registry of multi-disciplinary open linked datasets published on the Semantic Web, provides links and descriptions to published datasets, discusses ontologies, vocabularies, and data modeling, and metadata schemas and technologies useful for library linked data projects. Available translations in multiple languages reflects the truly international nature of linked open data on the Semantic Web (W3C, 2011).
Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C). (n.d.). W3C Incubator Report, Library Linked Data
Incubator Group: Datasets, Value Vocabularies, and Metadata Element Sets, W3C Incubator Group Report 25 October 2011, in W3C [website]. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org/2005/Incubator/lld/XGR-lld-vocabdataset-20111025/#Published_Datasets
ID.LOC.GOV – Linked Data Service from the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress provides this website for human and machine access to information on linked data ontologies, vocabularies, technologies, and resources. Using interconnecting URIs, LC allows linked data to connect to a perpetual record of ontologies, including BIBFRAME, MADS/RDF, and PREMIS, controlled vocabularies, name and subject authorities, and technical support for creating linked open data. Creating links to commonly used data standards provides a resource for catalogers to develop enhanced cataloging records and supports the linked open data movement. A searchable database of HTTP URIs is available, with related terms, links to other schemas, like OCLC, and alternative data formats. Catalogers can provide feedback to the Library of Congress by suggesting terminology.
Library of Congress. (n.d.). ID.LOC.GOV – Linked Data Service, in Library of Congress
[website]. Retrieved from http://id.loc.gov/
OCLC Research: Linked Data
This section of the OCLC Research website provides significant information for readers interested in linked data for libraries. This website covers current research in linked data for libraries from OCLC, along with reference information for beginners in various formats. Full text papers, videos, and presentations provide information on research results, continuing development with linked data standards, and survey results for international implementation of Semantic Web technologies and linked data projects.
The website has other useful links to guide researchers and students to relevant information, including the OCLC Research weblog Hanging Together, links to related OCLC research projects, and links to the OCLC Developer Network, which has its own section on linked data. As a primary player in the current library environment, OCLC’s research and development of linked data for libraries is an excellent resource for learning about linked data and staying updated on current trends.
OCLC. (n.d.). Linked data, OCLC Research [website]. Retrieved from
https://www.oclc.org/research/themes/data-science/linkeddata.html
Videos
The next web by Ted Berners-Lee (2009)
In this TED Conferences, LLC produced video from 2009, Ted Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web and head of the World Wide Web Consortium, presents the potential of linked open data on the Semantic Web. The beauty of technological innovation is that even its creators cannot see the full potential or future application.
When Berners-Lee created the concepts behind hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) the Web if information that emerged changed the world. The Web most people know involved the linking of documents, that even with access to full text require human interpretation. By opening up the Web to meaningful, accessible metadata that can be understood and discovered by machines, the potential applications are innumerable. For audial learners who benefit from passionate explanations, there is no better place to start than with this TED talk.
Related Tags:
Business; Communication; Design; Invention; Technology; Web
Berners-Lee, T. (2009, February). The next web [video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_berners_lee_on_the_next_web
Library Linked Data in the Cloud by OCLC Research (2015)
This video from OCLC Research is an excellent introduction to linked data and how it pertains to the library community. This webinar discusses the contents of a published book. The video presents the concepts surrounding the Semantic Web and how this can be applied to libraries.
Related Tags:
Linked data; Library data; OCLC; Semantic Web; Technology
OCLC Research. (2015, June). Library Linked Data in the Cloud [video file].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj0CVMzM7dQ&t=5s
Professional Organizations
Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS)
ALCTS is a division of the American Library Association dedicated to the support and advancement of technical services functions within the library community, including cataloging, metadata, collection management, and electronic resources, among others. As a professional membership organization, ALCTS promotes continuing education, professionalism, and the advancement of technical services issues within the larger discourse of the library and cultural institution community.
ALCTS recognizes professional achievement through awards, grants, and professional recognition activities. Governed by established bylaws, elected board members, and ongoing professional activities at ALA conferences and in professional meetings, ALCTS works to advance issues related to technical services. This websites serves as a resource for advocacy, information, continuing education, and other professional activities for catalogers and metadata librarians. Membership is attained through yearly dues and students can join at a discounted rate.
ALCTS. (n.d.). In American Library Association (ALA) [website]. Retrieved from
References
ALCTS. (n.d.). Library Resources and Technical Services, Association for Library Collections
& Technical Services (ALCTS) [ website]. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/alcts/resources/lrts
EBSCO. (n.d.). Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCO [website]. Retrieved
from https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/information-science-technology-abstracts
Magnolia. (n.d.). Databases by subject: library science, Magnolia. Retrieved from
http://magnolia.msstate.edu/public/subject.asp?subjectID=13
OCLC. (n.d.). Linked data, OCLC Research [website]. Retrieved from
https://www.oclc.org/research/themes/data-science/linkeddata/linked-data-overview.html
Smith-Yoshimura. (2014, September 3). Linked Data Survey results 4–Why and what
institutions are publishing (Updated), Hanging together: the OCLC Research blog [weblog]. Retrieved from http://hangingtogether.org/?p=4167
Taylor & Francis Group. (n.d.). Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, Aims and Scope,
Taylor & Francis Online [website]. Retrieved from https://www-tandfonline-com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=wccq20
Taylor & Francis Group. (n.d.). Journal of Library Metadata, Journal information, Taylor &
Francis Online [website]. Retrieved from https://www-tandfonline-com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/action/journalInformation?journalCode=wjlm20
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, UlrichsWeb Global Serials
Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556718951854/82865
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Information Science & Technology Abstracts, UlrichsWeb Global Serials
Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556486109406/47298
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Journal of Library Metadata, UlrichsWeb Global Serials
Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556726522130/249185
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Library Technology Reports, UlrichsWeb Global Serials
Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556724878198/48846
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA),
UlrichsWeb Global Serials Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556986656515/637221
Ulrichs Web. (n.d.). Library & Information Science Source, UlrichsWeb Global Serials
Directory [online database]. Retrieved from http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com.lynx.lib.usm.edu/title/1556487688929/740175