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There are times when a single organization\u2019s decision to embrace a particular technology will have an outsized influence on everyone else in that sector. For example, with the release of “Toy Story” in 1995\u2014the first feature-length film entirely created with CGI\u2014Pixar set a new standard for animated movies. While CGI had been used before, the success of Pixar’s approach encouraged other studios to adopt the technology more quickly and fully.<\/p>\n
We are at a moment like this today. The shifting of operational workflows to incorporate linked data will transform how libraries create, manage, and improve WorldCat, the largest source of library metadata in the world. OCLC\u2019s strategy to champion this change, along with the support of its thousands of members, represents a significant event for the library profession worldwide.<\/p>\n
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In two previous posts, Jeff Mixter provided an introduction to linked data<\/a> and some thoughts on how linked data can help libraries make more of an impact<\/a>. In both, he touched on some of the plans we have in this area and provided an excellent overview of the topic. What I\u2019ll be covering in this post is a synopsis of our commitment to linked data, as articulated more fully in this recent position paper, \u201cLinked data: the future of library cataloging<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n OCLC has been a leader in research on linked data for more than 20 years. That background means that every decision we make\u2014both large, strategic ones, and feature-level options\u2014is based on a lot of previous thinking by both OCLC staff and members of the community. Early exploratory research into the possibilities of semantic web technologies focused on understanding how they could be applied within the existing frameworks of library data systems. Insights from these programs laid the groundwork for today\u2019s developments, such as the integration of linked data elements into WorldCat, which was rolled out in January of this year.<\/p>\n But linked data technology is not just about enhancing bibliographic databases; it’s about creating a more integrated and accessible knowledge ecosystem. This means thinking bigger, bolder, beyond improving today\u2019s services. It\u2019s building bridges between isolated data silos within libraries and across campuses, and knitting together globally accessible resources. Through linked data, we can increase the visibility of library collections and enrich the contextual relationships between persons, works, places, organizations, events, and topics providing an information-rich landscape for users to make their curiosity journeys.<\/p>\n We also know that library staff are eager to learn about the benefits and challenges of this technology. Linked data is a good change. But even good changes can be challenging for staff and library workflows. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, we\u2019ll provide guidance and support, explaining and demonstrating the value of linked data to help make it more accessible to libraries of all sizes and types.<\/p>\n Linked data, with its emphasis on interoperability and sharing, fits naturally into OCLC\u2019s cooperative ethos. Member libraries can proceed at their own pace, adopting linked data in ways that make sense for their circumstances and workflows. For small libraries, this could be by adding WorldCat entity information to specific local collections to make them more discoverable, while larger institutions might move more quickly to begin actively cataloging with linked data models like BIBFRAME.<\/p>\n When we enhanced WorldCat with linked data from WorldCat Entities, we transformed existing catalogs into dynamic, interconnected resources even for libraries that are still primarily or exclusively MARC-based. WorldCat Entities joins other existing connected services based on OCLC WorldCat, such as improved visibility and discoverability of library collections.<\/p>\n WorldCat is the definitive proof point for global library metadata cooperation that libraries world wide rely on for enhanced discovery and access. . . Leveraging it can help move library linked data adoption along more quickly and in ways that benefit all libraries.<\/p>\n The benefits are here today for libraries who have already participated in the cooperative building and sustaining of WorldCat, and those benefits will continue to accrue.<\/p>\n For OCLC, linked data is about creating rich, interconnected information networks, and broad integration of linked data into library workflows to redefine the role of libraries in the digital age.<\/p>\n This process begins with the creation of metadata standards and practices that support linked data technologies. The WorldCat ontology, for example, provides key, foundational definitions of how linked data can work with existing MARC catalogs, BIBFRAME data, and other outside data models, such as those used in museums, archives, and research management systems. It\u2019s a strategy built around how libraries work, but with added flexibility to support connections to wider partners.<\/p>\n We\u2019re also developing a range of services and resources designed to support libraries in their transition to linked data. These include new platforms for data enrichment (WorldCat Entities), services for data linking (OCLC Meridian), and ways to allow libraries to manage and share their linked data more effectively (integration with Record Manager and other metadata management services).<\/p>\n While embracing the future of linked data, OCLC acknowledges the ongoing importance of MARC and other fixed data formats. We\u2019re committed to ensuring our linked data initiatives complement and enhance MARC-based systems, allowing for a hybrid approach that respects the rich legacy of library data while paving the way for future innovations. This balanced approach helps libraries transition at their own pace, preserving the value of their existing data while gradually integrating new linked data techniques.<\/p>\n Transitioning to linked data does not require a one-size-fits-all solution. OCLC supports a spectrum of engagement levels, enabling libraries to participate in ways that best suit their individual circumstances\u2014from small-scale activities that introduce basic linked data concepts to more comprehensive programming integrations. Providing flexibility with how libraries experiment with and learn about linked data without the pressure of complete system overhauls, facilitates a smoother and more manageable adoption process.<\/p>\n Our strategy can help libraries see immediate benefits from small initial steps. These then build confidence and encourage further exploration and adoption. This approach reduces the risk associated with new technology adoption, making it more feasible for libraries with limited resources to begin integrating linked data into their operations.<\/p>\n We encourage libraries to consider linked data as a means to enhance their service offerings, improve user satisfaction, and increase operational efficiencies, rather than as an end in itself. By thinking strategically about linked data, libraries can integrate these technologies in ways that are helpful, achievable, and economically viable.<\/p>\n Our commitment to linked data is driven by a desire to make library services more interconnected, accessible, and useful to library users worldwide while improving efficiency for library staff.<\/p>\n What\u2019s important to remember is that moving to linked data is more than a technological upgrade. It\u2019s a fundamental shift towards a more discoverable, collaborative and dynamic knowledge ecosystem, where libraries are valued contributors. By participating in this change, libraries not only enhance their own operations but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more informed and connected world.<\/p>\n With linked data, library catalogs are no longer simply databases filled with records\u2014they become hubs in a living web of knowledge.<\/p>\n This post is the third in a series of three about library linked data.<\/em><\/p>\n Find more information about OCLC\u2019s linked data strategy here<\/a>\u00a0and about how linked data is the future of library cataloging<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are times when a single organization\u2019s decision to embrace a particular technology will have an outsized influence on everyone else in that sector. For example, with the release of “Toy Story” in 1995\u2014the first feature-length film entirely created with CGI\u2014Pixar set a new standard for animated movies. While CGI had been used before, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,4,37],"tags":[6,14,36,5,7,58,8,48],"class_list":["post-5332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cataloging","category-linked-data","category-technology","tag-cataloging","tag-data","tag-library-management","tag-linked-data","tag-metadata","tag-strategy","tag-technology","tag-worldcat"],"yoast_head":"\nOCLC\u2019s commitment to a linked data future<\/h2>\n
Why cooperation\u2014at scale\u2014matters<\/h2>\n
An integrated strategy for cataloging, discovery, and library management<\/h2>\n
The long-term role of MARC<\/h2>\n
Moving forward together<\/h2>\n
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