Reimagining Serials: Small Steps toward a Linked Data Future

Kevin BalsterUCLA

IntroductionIn fall 2014, the UCLA Continuing Resources Study Group, fortified by several months of Linked Data orientations, decided it was time to get our feet wet. But with no technical support and no outside resources, the question was: How?

Starting in OCLC, we used the normal export function to create a .dat file, and then used MARCEdit to convert it into an RDF/XML file. We focused mainly on CONSER records. Given the complexity of most CONSER records and our lack of knowledge regarding BIBFRAME, we began with ELvl 8 (ISSN Pre-Pub.) records. One member of our study group was also interested in how non-Roman script is represented in the RDF graph, so she worked on converting records for Arabic language resources.

Next, we simply copy/pasted the RDF/XML file into the W3C RDF Validator to produce an RDF graph. However, even using Elvl 8 records, the graphs produced from the files could be overwhelming, so we often edited the file in order to focus on one particular aspect of the title. Many of our study group members did not have prior experience working with XML files, so we developed supporting documents on how to edit XML files while keeping the structure intact so that it would validate correctly.

Finally, we used the RDF graph as a starting point to explore the structure and terms of the BIBFRAME vocabulary. As our understanding of the BIBFRAME vocabulary grew, we began to identify and document questions we had regarding the vocabulary and/or the conversion process.

Goals Next Steps???1. Increase understanding of BIBFRAME vocabulary and conversion process2. Identify and document potential issues with BIBFRAME vocabulary and conversion process3. Collaborate with others to address possible issues and become involved with BIBFRAME developments

1. Partner with other campus groups, including the Hispanic American Periodicals Index (HAPI), on Linked Data projects2. Await outcomes of the CONSER Linked Data-Fest, and investigate ways to collaborate with other CONSER members on future pilot projects