Organizing Bibliographical Data with RDA: How Far Have We Stridden Toward the Semantic Web?

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter aims to help librarians understand the underlying rationale for Resource Description and Access (RDA) and recognize the great potential of the Semantic Web for libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

It explains the linked data model and Semantic Web technologies in basic, informative terms, and describes how the Semantic Web is constructed. Semantic Web standards and technologies are discussed in detail, including URI, RDF, and ontologies. The study also traces the development of RDA and some of the major library Semantic Web projects. The authors explore how RDA shapes bibliographical data and prepares it for linked data in the Semantic Web. In addition, this study examines what libraries in the United States and the rest of the world have achieved in implementing RDA since its release.

Findings

RDA is the correct approach libraries should take.

Originality/value

This is the first and only chapter that covers the development of RDA in other countries as well as in the United States. It is highly informative for anyone who wishes to understand the RDA and Semantic Web and their relevance to libraries in a short period of time.

Citation

Yang, S.Q. and Lee, Y.Y. (2014), "Organizing Bibliographical Data with RDA: How Far Have We Stridden Toward the Semantic Web?", New Directions in Information Organization (Library and Information Science, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-0562(2013)0000007005