Enabling and integrating ETD repositories through linked data
| Date | 03 June 2014 |
| Pages | 284-292 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-08-2013-0075 |
| Published date | 03 June 2014 |
| Author | Lucas Mak,Devin Higgins,Aaron Collie,Shawn Nicholson |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,HR in libraries |
Enabling and integrating ETD
repositories through linked data
Lucas Mak, Devin Higgins, Aaron Collie and Shawn Nicholson
Library, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that Electronic Theses and Dissertation (ETD)
metadata can be used as data for institutional assessment and to map an extended research landscape
when connected to other data sets through linked data models.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents conceptual consideration of ideas behind
linked data architecture to leverage ETD and attendant metadata to build a case for institutional
assessment. Analysis of graph data support the considerations.
Findings – The study reveals first and foremost that ETD metadata is in itself data. Concerns
with creating URIs for data elements andgeneral applicability of linked data model formation result.
The analysis positively points up a rich environment of institutional relationships not readily found
in traditional flat metadata records.
Originality/value – This paper provides a new perspective in examining research landscap e through
ETDs produced by graduate students in higher education sector.
Keywords Metadata, Repositories, ETD, Linked data, Uniform resource identifier
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
Linked data are a disruptive technology that is moving libraries beyond the
library-centric context of MARC-based metadata. Gartner’s Hype Cycle model tells
of the movement over time of new technologies from bold promises to viability
(Gartner Inc., 2013). Michigan State University Libraries (MSUL) arrives at what
Gartner terms the slope of enlightenment, a period where “benefits start to
crystallize.” We are exploring and developing methods to compose a linked data
model that uses Electronic Theses and Dissertation (ETD) data to describe the
oft-opaque relationships between departments, faculty members, themes, and
dissertation authors. The results shall reveal connections that exist within the MSU
community, but may also hold the potential to link into wider networks of
institutional scholarly collaboration, as other institutions build similar data models.
Recent movements toward establishing unique identifiers for authors/creators
provide rich additional data points from which to build linked data models that
extend between institutions on a national or international level. What follows is our
walk through the process.
Theses and dissertations at MSUL
Like many academic libraries, MSUL has a long-standing tradition of cataloging theses
and dissertations. Despite heavy standardization, theses and dissertations have
gone through many changes in both the production-line and the resulting for mat.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
Received 21 August 2013
Accepted 6 September 2013
Library Management
Vol. 35 No. 4/5, 2014
pp. 284-292
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-08-2013-0075
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 16th International Symposium on
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD), in Hong Kong, on 23-26 September 2013, http://
lib.hku.hk/etd2013/
284
LM
35,4/5
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