rdfs:frbr–Towards an Implementation Model for Library Catalogs Using Semantic Web Technology

Abstract

SUMMARY. The paper sets out from a few basic observations (bibliographic information is still mostly part of the 'hidden Web,' library automation methods still have a low WWW-transparency, and take-up of FRBR has been rather slow) and continues taking a closer look at Semantic Web technology components. This results in a proposal for implementing FRBR as RDF-Schema and of RDF-based library catalogues built on such an approach. The contribution concludes with a discussion of selected strategic benefits resulting from such an approach. Stefan Gradmann, PhD, is Head, Hamburg University "Virtual Campus Library" Unit, which is part of the computing center and has a mission of providing information management services to the university as a whole, including e-publication services and open access to electronic scientific information resources.

Conceptualizations of the Cataloging Object: A Critique on Current Perceptions of FRBR Group 1 Entities

“…As Gradmann [37] [38] but to reveal the notions, such as Works, which "consist of both semantic and ideational content" [39], hiding behind these Manifestations. These notions, like Works and Expressions, are abstract, thus not produced necessarily by considering a specific resource.…”

“…FRBR's new Paradigm could be used, in a broader sense, in the context of the semantic web. Gradmann notices: "I proposed having a closer look at FRBR as a means to overcome the structural incompatibilities that are the fundamental barrier to cross when attempting to free librarian bibliographic data from its golden catalogue-cage and make it systematically available on the WWW" [27].…”

“…For example there should be no need for the user to consult a certain book in order to reveal when and in which context Shakespeare wrote "Hamlet" if this could be answered directly either from the information held in a library catalog or from another software agent which uses -among others-data from library catalogs to find the answers. RDF seems a suitable framework [29,30,31,32] for such a hypothesis to be built upon. Additionally, initiatives like Library Linked Data [1] are a necessity in the area of metadata integration.…”

Resource Description and Access (RDA)

“…32 This database structure requires that information is parsed and defined in more detail and anticipates that RDA will work well with the Semantic Web. 33 Draft chapters of RDA were released between 2005 and 2007, and in 2008 a full draft was released. The text was revised based on public comments and a final draft was delivered to the publishers in June 2009.…”

Linking Print and Electronic Books

“…Referring to the inherent problems associated with record linking within the library environment, Gradmann speaks of the "library automation applications and the data architecture underlying these, which strangle libraries, creating a structural lack of technical flexibility" and discusses the need to "free librarian bibliographic data from its golden catalogue-cage." 5 Yee also decries the state of library catalog software, stating that libraries are forced to "choose among undesirable alternatives" when seeking a system that has an adequate search engine with helpful displays. 6 Strong words, but justified given that much data created by librarians sits essentially unused due to system limitations.…”