Libraries, their collections, and services need to be where their users are – not simply by having Web sites, but by reaching those users were they work daily in services like Web search engines and mobile platforms. Unfortunately, library data is effectively invisible and nearly impossible for these services to use. Transforming library content, service descriptions, locations and event information from MARC and non-MARC formats to Linked Data increases the Web accessibility of library content, extending the library’s reach to immediate customers like students, faculty and researchers, as well as, prospective students/parents, the business community, alumni/donors, and campus administration.
The story of growing library engagement with the Web is told in three parts:
Act I - Linked Data Essentials – Learn how web searching works and the concepts
behind Linked Data, then see the difference between machine vs. human consumption
and explore how linked, structured data is moving the focus of Web searching to
answers not pages.
Act II – Libraries, Linked Data and the Web – Understand the role of existing library data
stores, the evolution of standards and introduction of BIBRAME, and review MARC to
BIBFRAME examples.
Act III – Putting it All Together – Finally, explore how libraries are expanding visibility
and access to their collections and services on the Web by publishing Linked Data from
source data in formats like MARC and EAD to the Library.Link Network – a Zepheira
collaboration with industry partners.
While Linked Data is simply a technology, understanding its purpose and promise can help
libraries inform their workflow, management, and strategic planning, in addition to exploring
new and exciting ways to serve their communities.
