Aura : linking data to reuse cataloguing effort

摘要

BDS is a cataloguing agency, creating bibliographic records to library standards. We have built our database over the past twenty-one years using a data entry system that has received regular upgrades to keep abreast of both technological and bibliographical developments. With its success based upon the quality of its data, BDS always strives to use the most efficient and effective methods for data entry and the recent developments around RDA and linked data persuaded the BDS development team that it was time for a replacement. Our long-standing and highly successful system has its roots in DOS, and uses a programming language which is increasingly difficult to support. It requires training in MARC21 and internal processes, as well as in the standards that determine the content of the bibliographic record. Here, I shall describe the process of designing new software for a cataloguing and associated data entry system which, after a staff competition to name it, is called “Aura”.