Libraries and linked data

Abstract

With Linked Data, the rich source of libraries’ metadata can be moved into the semantic web environment where its discovery will be increased. In order to achieve this, the library world needs to find ways to replace the MARC standards, used for coding and exchanging bibliographic information. The Library of Congress took the lead when they launched the Bibframe initiative, then OCLC followed with Schema.org.  In tandem, they are breaking down MARC fields and mapping them to Bibframe entities. Most of the Bibframe database is not yet ready for public use, although at least one vendor, Ex Libris Alma, has begun to incorporate Bibframe into their LMS. As a library community, we will have to work together to embrace these new challenges.