Lisa Goddard

The Strongest Link: Libraries and Linked Data

Since 1999 the W3C has been working on a set of Semantic Web standards that have the potential to revolutionize web search. Also known as Linked Data, the Machine-Readable Web, the Web of Data, or Web 3.0, the Semantic Web relies on highly structured metadata that allow computers to understand the relationships between objects. Semantic web standards are complex, and difficult to conceptualize, but they offer solutions to many of the issues that plague libraries, including precise web search, authority control, classification, data portability, and disambiguation. This article will outline some of the benefits that linked data could have for libraries, will discuss some of the non-technical obstacles that we face in moving forward, and will finally offer suggestions for practical ways in which libraries can participate in the development of the semantic web.

The integrated librarian: IT in the systems office

The library systems office is under increasing pressure to support not only the integrated library system (ILS), but a proliferation of systems, servers and technologies. Some systems librarians have the advantage of a computer science degree, but many have acquired their technical knowledge on‐the‐job. The technological complexity of current systems work prohibits new librarians from entering the field without some existing expertise. Canadian library schools are not adequately preparing new librarians for systems work, and there are simply not enough librarians with a computer science background to meet the demand for computer savvy librarians. This article proposes a third option – the combination of a Masters of Library and Information Science (MILS) with a one year Information Technology Diploma. It discusses the author’s experience moving into systems by way of IT, and outlines the benefits of cultivating librarians with IT knowledge, rather than relying on non‐librarians to perform technical work in the library.

Preparing the Way: Creating Future Compatible Cataloguing Data in a Transitional Environment

Linked data has dominated the recent discourse in cataloging and metadata. The daily work of the cataloger, however, remains mostly unchanged. This tension is investigated, with a view to reconciling cataloging practice with a linked data future. Aspects of linked data are outlined and a shift in focus in cataloging practice is recommended. Authorities, controlled access points, vocabularies, differentiated values, and local data should be emphasized, and focus should shift from free text fields, keystrokes, punctuation, and aspects of local practice. Through these recommendations, it is argued that catalogers can help prepare the way for the emerging information environment.

Getting to the Source: a Survey of Quantitative Data Sources Available to the Everyday Librarian: Part II: Data Sources from Specific Library Applications

This is the second part of a two-part article that provides a survey of data sources which are likely to be immediately available to the typical practitioner who wishes to engage in statistical analysis of collections and services within his or her own library. Part I outlines the data elements which can be extracted from web server logs, and discusses web log analysis tools. Part II looks at logs, reports, and data sources from proxy servers, resource vendors, link resolvers, federated search engines, institutional repositories, electronic reference services, and the integrated library system.

Getting to the Source: a Survey of Quantitative Data Sources Available to the Everyday Librarian: Part I: Web Server Log Analysis

This is the first part of a two-part article that provides a survey of data sources which are likely to be immediately available to the typical practitioner who wishes to engage in statistical analysis of collections and services within his or her own library. Part I outlines the data elements which can be extracted from web server logs, and discusses web log analysis tools. Part II looks at logs, reports, and data sources from proxy servers, resource vendors, link resolvers, federated search engines, institutional repositories, electronic reference services, and the integrated library system.