Not Just for Geeks: A practical approach to linked data for digital collections managers

摘要

As digital library managers, we know our collections contain rich metadata, but data (or metadata) are encapsulated in these records and are accessible to users only when records containing them are retrieved in a search. This approach for managing data, although a common practice that extends far beyond digital collections, creates silos of data. Data associated with records is isolated and does not directly link to related data existing in other records. These silos hide valuable relationships among data, leaving to users the task of discovering these hidden connections.Join other digital library managers at this workshop designed to provide you with key concepts to understand Linked Data and a selection of hands-on activities and demonstrations that will show step-by-step exactly how CONTENTdm metadata can be transformed into linked data. The workshop will also provide a forum for us to discuss how Linked Data will impact our guiding principles, best practices, and local workflows. This workshop is geared toward beginners – not just data geeks – and is designed for curious exploration and active learning in a welcoming environment.The Linked Data movement has gained momentum and it is not too early for us to start thinking about how this paradigm shift, akin to the transition from card catalogs to online catalogs, will affect discovery of our collections and our future workflows. How will we contribute our resources to the Linked Data Cloud where digital library data can be created locally and linked to existing data accessible globally? The movement is already being embraced by key organizations in the library field and the resources already exist to help us experiment with transitioning our collections.