Linked data for libraries: benefits of a conceptual shift from library-specific record structures to RDF-based data models

Alemu, Getaneh and Stevens, Brett and Ross, Penny and Chandler, Jane Linked data for libraries: benefits of a conceptual shift from library-specific record structures to RDF-based data models., 2012 . In IFLA Council and General Conference (78th : 2012 : Helsinki), Helsinki (Finland), 11-17 August 2012. [Conference paper]

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English abstract

Contemporary metadata principles and standards tended to result in document-centric rather than data-centric; human-readable rather than machine-processable metadata. In order for libraries to create and harness shareable, mashable and re-usable metadata, a conceptual shift can be achieved by adjusting current library models such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) to models based on Linked Data principles. In relation to technical formats, libraries can leapfrog to Linked Data technical formats such as the Resource Description Framework (RDF), without disrupting current library metadata operations. This paper provides six key recommendations for libraries and standards agencies. These include rising to the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented by current technological trends, adopting minimal requirements of Linked Data principles, developing ontologies, deciding on what needs to be retained from current library models, becoming part of the Linked Data cloud, and developing mixed-metadata (standards-based and socially-constructed) approaches. Finally, the paper concludes by identifying and discussing five major benefits of such metadata re-conceptualisation. The benefits include metadata openness and sharing, serendipitous discovery of information resources, identification of zeitgeist and emergent metadata, facet-based navigation and metadata enriched with links.

Item type:	Conference paper
Keywords:	metadata, metadata standards, MARC, Linked Data, RDF, socially-constructed metadata, mixed-metadata approaches
Subjects:	I. Information treatment for information services > IA. Cataloging, bibliographic control. I. Information treatment for information services > IF. Information transfer: protocols, formats, techniques. I. Information treatment for information services > IG. Information presentation: hypertext, hypermedia. L. Information technology and library technology > LC. Internet, including WWW. L. Information technology and library technology > LR. OPAC systems.
Depositing user:	Getaneh Agegn Alemu
Date deposited:	13 Sep 2012
Last modified:	02 Oct 2014 12:23
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/10760/17523

References

Alemu, G., Stevens, B., Ross, P. and Chandler, J. (2012) Linked data for libraries: benefits of a conceptual shift from library-specific record structures to RDF-based data models. In: World Library and Information Congress 78th IFLA General Conference and Assembly , 11-17 August 2012, Helsinki, Finland. http://conference.ifla.org/sites/default/files/files/papers/wlic2012/92-alemu-en.pdf

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