Using linked open data to enhance the discoverability, functionality and impact of Emblematica Online

Abstract

Purpose Early Modern emblem books are primary sources for scholars studying the European Renaissance. Linked Open Data (LOD) is an approach for organizing and modeling information in a data-centric manner compatible with the emerging Semantic Web. The purpose of this paper is to examine ways in which LOD methods can be applied to facilitate emblem resource discovery, better reveal the structure and connectedness of digitized emblem resources, and enhance scholar interactions with digitized emblem resources. Design/methodology/approach This research encompasses an analysis of the existing XML-based Spine (emblem-specific) metadata schema; the design of a new, domain-specific, Resource Description Framework compatible ontology; the mapping and transformation of metadata from Spine to both the new ontology and (separately) to the pre-existing Schema.org ontology; and the (experimental) modification of the Emblematica Online portal as a proof of concept to illustrate enhancements supported by LOD. Findings LOD is viable as an approach for facilitating discovery and enhancing the value to scholars of digitized emblem books; however, metadata must first be enriched with additional uniform resource identifiers and the workflow upgrades required to normalize and transform existing emblem metadata are substantial and still to be fully worked out. Practical implications The research described demonstrates the feasibility of transforming existing, special collections metadata to LOD. Although considerable work and further study will be required, preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of LOD for both users and libraries. Originality/value This research is unique in the context of emblem studies and adds to the emerging body of work examining the application of LOD best practices to library special collections.

Linked Data and Cultural Heritage

“…Given that many of these texts were all case studies [16,17,18,19], which were therefore focussed on describing the outcomes of their project rather than placing their findings in a wider context, the consideration of alternative perspectives was not deemed to be a key assessment criterion for this study, as the primary concern of these studies was exploration and description of individual cases rather than assessment of wider contexts. The manner of composition was also not considered a disqualifying factor as this varied significantly across the literature and proved difficult to apply to conference papers and journal articles equally.…”

“…Public libraries were represented in one case, in which two public libraries contributed [23]. Two projects involved private or special libraries [36,33], and one involved a private art foundation [37].…”

“…This was by far the most frequently cited reason for undertaking a linked data project, seen in 23 of these studies. These projects are motivated by the desire to publish data to fulfil a specific research need [29,36,41,46], to make specific collections more accessible for research [17,48,49,50] or to create tools to improve the experience of researchers [38].…”

Applications of Semantic Web in integrating open data and bibliographic records: a development example of an infomediary of Taiwanese indigenous people

“…Various disciplines and industries are increasing their interest in LD to facilitate the growth of data sets. In the LAM community, the potential benefits of LD are well acknowledged, including visibility and discoverability of digital collections (Cole et al, 2017). Using literature reviews, some studies surveyed the impact of emerging technologies on the traditional library, such as reviewing the use of changes, benefits and challenges on digital library collections (Raza et al, 2019); confirming the advantages of using LD on bibliographic descriptions (Georgieva-Trifonova et al, 2019); and discussing how many libraries have already adopted LD in cataloguing practices (Wahid et al, 2018).…”

Linked open data portals: functionalities and user experience in semantic catalogues

“…In this context, this study examines the end user solutions that have been adopted by institutions involved in linked open data projects. Among the opportunities and advantages that the adoption of this model implies for the end user, the literature specifically details better experience, contextualisation of information, and a multilingual dimension or advances in rigor and interdisciplinarity in the research activity thanks to the enrichment of information (Cole et al, 2017;Feitosa et al, 2018;Hallo et al, 2016;Konstantinou et al, 2014;Library Linked Data Incubator Group, 2011;Mitchell, 2016;Simon et al, 2013). Among the advantages of linking data that appear in bibliographic records with other datasets, Senso and Arroyo Machado (2018) highlight the fact that linking data favours the development of mashups and facilitates the modelling of objects/entities of interest related to a bibliographic resource, such as people, places, events, and topics.…”