The Sport Database is one of the most deservedly popular information tools in the field of physical activity and sport. One reason for its popularity is that the documents…
Abstract
The Sport Database is one of the most deservedly popular information tools in the field of physical activity and sport. One reason for its popularity is that the documents contained in it are received from throughout the world. But, as often happens, our deficiencies are the consequence of our merits. Precisely this wide geographical scope and the database's constant growth, combined with the isolation of indexers and the weak coordination of their work, can make problems for the database's constructors as well as users. Under such circumstances the quality of its main indexing and searching instrument — the Sport Thesaurus — acquires great significance. It must be noted that this tool exists both in printed form (Sport Thesaurus 1994 Edition) and on optical disc (Sport Discus 1975‐June 1995), and the differences between these two versions of the same thing are often substantial. One would like to hope that their constant improvement is the main reason for this situation, but some examples make one doubt it. From now on the printed version will be called ‘edition’ and the CDROM version ‘disc’. The insertion of the huge database SIRLS into the Sport Database, which took place some time ago without changing the database's specific indexing, was taken into account in all calculations. In this paper I want not only to analyse some basic deficiencies of this thesaurus and to trace their manifestations in the database, but to propose some ways it could be improved. I hope that they will be helpful for the users of the Sport Database as well as other databases on optical discs.
Kevin R. Parker, Philip S. Nitse and Kay A. Flowers
Purpose – This paper proposes enhancing libraries to act as knowledge management centers for small businesses, providing both knowledge management (KM) and competitive…
Abstract
Purpose – This paper proposes enhancing libraries to act as knowledge management centers for small businesses, providing both knowledge management (KM) and competitive intelligence (CI) services. Design/methodology/approach – The requirements for a Library Knowledge Management Center (LKMC) are presented and briefly examined. KM, CI, ontologies, and the Semantic Web are all considered, and the steps needed to realize a LKMC are presented. Findings – An approach to developing a LKMC is provided, as is a rationale for the proposal. Future research issues for realization of this proposal are addressed. Research limitations/implications – This paper presents a conceptual overview of a project that is still in its early stages, and as such its practicality is difficult to evaluate. Practical implications – This proposal, if followed up with future research, will prove beneficial to both small business and to libraries. Small businesses are not always able to gather sufficient internal and external knowledge to assist in strategic planning and positioning, and thus are unable to compete with larger rivals whose resources allow them to develop sophisticated KM and CI systems. LKMCs hold promise to level the playing field. Libraries benefit because this reaffirms their relevance in a digital age in which so much information is freely available to patrons. Originality/value – This paper proposes a new service for libraries, one that will assist small businesses in competing more effectively with larger competitors.
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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…
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.
Miel Vander Sande, Ruben Verborgh, Patrick Hochstenbach and Herbert Van de Sompel
The purpose of this paper is to detail a low-cost, low-maintenance publishing strategy aimed at unlocking the value of Linked Data collections held by libraries, archives and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to detail a low-cost, low-maintenance publishing strategy aimed at unlocking the value of Linked Data collections held by libraries, archives and museums (LAMs).
Design/methodology/approach
The shortcomings of commonly used Linked Data publishing approaches are identified, and the current lack of substantial collections of Linked Data exposed by LAMs is considered. To improve on the discussed status quo, a novel approach for publishing Linked Data is proposed and demonstrated by means of an archive of DBpedia versions, which is queried in combination with other Linked Data sources.
Findings
The authors show that the approach makes publishing Linked Data archives easy and affordable, and supports distributed querying without causing untenable load on the Linked Data sources.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed approach significantly lowers the barrier for publishing, maintaining, and making Linked Data collections queryable. As such, it offers the potential to substantially grow the distributed network of queryable Linked Data sources. Because the approach supports querying without causing unacceptable load on the sources, the queryable interfaces are expected to be more reliable, allowing them to become integral building blocks of robust applications that leverage distributed Linked Data sources.
Originality/value
The novel publishing strategy significantly lowers the technical and financial barriers that LAMs face when attempting to publish Linked Data collections. The proposed approach yields Linked Data sources that can reliably be queried, paving the way for applications that leverage distributed Linked Data sources through federated querying.
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The silos of library cataloging data have long been recognized as barriers to the seamless discovery of library resources via the Web and to the interaction of library data with…
Abstract
The silos of library cataloging data have long been recognized as barriers to the seamless discovery of library resources via the Web and to the interaction of library data with Web data and other uses. In order to better serve users, library cataloging data must be available in a more open environment, and libraries are looking to linked data to present library resources in the data stream of the Web in a way that is seamless to users. This entails changing cataloging formats and tools to Web standards. While there is a lot of discussion and activity around linked data, this chapter approaches the highly technological topic in a way that is geared more toward a general and practical cataloging perspective.
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Getaneh Alemu, Brett Stevens, Penny Ross and Jane Chandler
The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for making a conceptual shift from current document‐centric to data‐centric metadata. The importance of adjusting current…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide recommendations for making a conceptual shift from current document‐centric to data‐centric metadata. The importance of adjusting current library models such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) to models based on Linked Data principles is discussed. In relation to technical formats, the paper suggests the need to leapfrog from machine readable cataloguing (MARC) to Resource Description Framework (RDF), without disrupting current library metadata operations.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper identified and reviewed relevant works on overarching topics that include standards‐based metadata, Web 2.0 and Linked Data. The review of these works is contextualised to inform the recommendations identified in this paper. Articles were retrieved from databases such as Emerald and D‐Lib Magazine. Books, electronic articles and relevant blog posts were also used to support the arguments put forward in this paper.
Findings
Contemporary library standards and models carried forward some of the constraints from the traditional card catalogue system. The resultant metadata are mainly attuned to human consumption rather than machine processing. In view of current user needs and technological development such as the interest in Linked Data, it is found important that current metadata models such as FRBR and RDA are re‐conceptualised.
Practical implications
This paper discusses the implications of re‐conceptualising current metadata models in light of Linked Data principles, with emphasis on metadata sharing, facilitation of serendipity, identification of Zeitgeist and emergent metadata, provision of faceted navigation, and enriching metadata with links.
Originality/value
Most of the literature on Linked Data for libraries focus on answering the “how to” questions of using RDF/XML and SPARQL technologies, however, this paper focuses mainly on answering “why” Linked Data questions, thus providing an underlying rationale for using Linked Data. The discussion on mixed‐metadata approaches, serendipity, Zeitgeist and emergent metadata is considered to provide an important rationale to the role of Linked Data for libraries.
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Suggests that the probability of transmission errors in the central neural system (CNS) is a major factor determining intelligence. That is, the smaller this probability, the…
Abstract
Suggests that the probability of transmission errors in the central neural system (CNS) is a major factor determining intelligence. That is, the smaller this probability, the larger is the intelligence of the subject. Explains the observation that Hendrickson’s AEP measures, which are supposed to measure this probability, are sometimes correlated positively and sometimes correlated negatively with IQ.
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Applies the analytic‐synthetic dichotomy of hemispheric functioning suggested by Levy‐Agresti and Sperry to explain the chunking theory of Miller. Constructs a theory of…
Abstract
Applies the analytic‐synthetic dichotomy of hemispheric functioning suggested by Levy‐Agresti and Sperry to explain the chunking theory of Miller. Constructs a theory of cognition, based on cerebral functions which were discovered through hemispheric differences. Shows that all the arguments of Efron against the hemispheric paradigm are merely “puzzles” that can be solved within this paradigm. New findings of Efron and Yund were, in fact, predicted by a component of this theory.
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Bibliographic framework initiative (BIBFRAME) is a data model created by the Library of Congress to with the long-term goal of replacing Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC). The…
Abstract
Purpose
Bibliographic framework initiative (BIBFRAME) is a data model created by the Library of Congress to with the long-term goal of replacing Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC). The purpose of this paper is to inform catalogers and other library professionals why MARC is lacking in the needs of current users, and how BIBFRAME works better to meet these needs. It will also explain linked data and the principles of Resource Description Framework, so catalogers will have a better understanding of BIBFRAME’s basic goals.
Design/methodology/approach
The review of recent literature in print and online, as well as using the BIBFRAME editor to create a BIBFRAME record, was the basis for this paper.
Findings
The paper concludes the user experience with the library catalog has changed and requires more in-depth search capabilities using linked data and that BIBFRAME is a first step in meeting the user needs of the future.
Originality/value
The paper gives the reader an entry point into the complicated future catalogers and other professionals may feel trepidation about. With a systematic walkthrough of the creation of a BIBFRAME record, the reader should feel more informed where the future of cataloging is going.
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Mark J. Ahn, Kathryn Sutherland and Rebecca Bednarek
This paper seeks to demonstrate the value and critical importance of negotiating skills within the wider context of “employability”. It posits that the intensity, rich context…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to demonstrate the value and critical importance of negotiating skills within the wider context of “employability”. It posits that the intensity, rich context, and ambiguity of juxtaposing ancient and modern cases provides a creative, engaging format to stimulate learning about negotiating and power among parties.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is the culmination of teaching undergraduate and graduate business students, as well as continuing education courses, in the USA and New Zealand respectively. The authors developed a participatory, mixed‐mode educational simulation. Using thematic analysis of student survey responses, they summarize learning points associated with the suggested teaching case.
Findings
An analysis of post‐exercise questions suggested six key themes identified by students: value of leadership, self‐knowledge, maturity, and judgment; need for creativity, versatility, and adaptability in bridging differences; focus on settlement (rather than absolute win‐lose scenarios); managing risk due to uncertainty and unidentified incentives among participants; dire consequences of inflexibility, self‐righteousness, and unhealthy ego; and need for increasing negotiating skill proficiency is valuable and timeless.
Practical implications
The outlined teaching case is put forward as providing a creative, interesting and rich format to stimulate learning about negotiating and power among parties, as well as team dynamics.
Originality/value
The paper outlines a novel teaching tool that allows students to learn and appreciate the dynamics of negotiating in complex environments.