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Metadata Standards And Linked Data For Libraries Training Course

Introduction

Empower your library to enhance resource discoverability and interoperability in the semantic web with our comprehensive Metadata Standards and Linked Data for Libraries Training Course. This program equips library professionals with a thorough understanding of key metadata standards and the transformative potential of linked data for connecting library resources with the wider web of information. Mastering metadata standards and linked data is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to improve resource visibility, facilitate data sharing, and provide richer, more contextualized access to their collections in the digital age. Our library linked data training course offers in-depth knowledge and practical application of these crucial technologies.

This Metadata Standards and Linked Data for Libraries training delves into essential metadata schemas such as MARC, Dublin Core, RDA, and BIBFRAME, alongside the principles and practices of linked data, including RDF, SPARQL, and ontology development. You will gain expertise in applying these standards to describe library resources effectively, transforming metadata into linked data, and leveraging linked data technologies to enhance resource discovery and create semantic connections. Whether you are a cataloger, metadata librarian, digital initiatives librarian, or systems librarian, this Metadata Standards and Linked Data for Libraries course will empower you to lead your library in adopting and implementing these cutting-edge approaches to data management and access.

Target Audience:

  • Catalogers
  • Metadata Librarians
  • Digital Initiatives Librarians
  • Systems Librarians
  • Technical Services Librarians
  • Data Services Librarians
  • Library IT Professionals

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of Metadata Standards and Linked Data for Libraries.
  • Master the key elements and application of the MARC metadata standard.
  • Apply the Dublin Core metadata standard for resource description.
  • Understand the principles and implementation of Resource Description and Access (RDA).
  • Explore the concepts and benefits of the BIBFRAME model as a linked data alternative to MARC.
  • Grasp the core principles of Linked Data, including RDF and URIs.
  • Learn how to query and retrieve linked data using SPARQL.
  • Understand the role and development of ontologies in linked data for libraries.
  • Explore strategies for transforming existing library metadata into linked data.
  • Implement linked data technologies to enhance resource discovery and interoperability.
  • Analyze use cases and applications of linked data in library contexts.
  • Understand the relationship between metadata standards and linked data principles.
  • Evaluate tools and technologies for working with linked data in libraries.
  • Develop strategies for collaborating and sharing linked data within the library community.
  • Plan for the adoption and implementation of linked data initiatives in your library.

DURATION

10 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Metadata Standards in Libraries

  • Fundamentals of Metadata Standards and Linked Data for Libraries.
  • Understanding the purpose and importance of metadata in library science.
  • Exploring different types of metadata (descriptive, administrative, structural).
  • Identifying key metadata standards used in libraries.
  • Best practices for applying metadata standards effectively.

Module 2: The MARC Metadata Standard

  • Mastering the key elements and application of the MARC metadata standard.
  • Understanding MARC record structure and data elements.
  • Applying MARC coding and cataloging rules.
  • Exploring the limitations of MARC in the semantic web.
  • Best practices for effective MARC cataloging and data management.

Module 3: The Dublin Core Metadata Standard

  • Applying the Dublin Core metadata standard for resource description.
  • Understanding the fifteen core elements of Dublin Core.
  • Utilizing qualified Dublin Core for enhanced granularity.
  • Exploring the use of Dublin Core in various digital library applications.
  • Best practices for implementing Dublin Core metadata.

Module 4: Resource Description and Access (RDA)

  • Understanding the principles and implementation of Resource Description and Access (RDA).
  • Exploring the conceptual models underlying RDA (FRBR, FRAD, FRSAD).
  • Applying RDA instructions for describing resources.
  • Understanding the relationship between RDA and MARC.
  • Best practices for RDA cataloging and implementation.

Module 5: BIBFRAME: A Linked Data Model for Libraries

  • Exploring the concepts and benefits of the BIBFRAME model as a linked data alternative to MARC.
  • Understanding the core classes and properties of BIBFRAME.
  • Comparing and contrasting BIBFRAME with MARC.
  • Exploring BIBFRAME implementation initiatives and tools.
  • Best practices for understanding and engaging with BIBFRAME.

Module 6: Core Principles of Linked Data

  • Grasping the core principles of Linked Data, including RDF and URIs.
  • Understanding the Resource Description Framework (RDF) model.
  • Utilizing Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) for identifying resources.
  • Exploring the concept of the semantic web and its relevance to libraries.
  • Best practices for understanding and applying linked data principles.

Module 7: Querying Linked Data with SPARQL

  • Learning how to query and retrieve linked data using SPARQL.
  • Understanding the basic syntax and structure of SPARQL queries.
  • Constructing queries to retrieve specific information from RDF datasets.
  • Exploring advanced SPARQL features and functionalities.
  • Best practices for writing effective SPARQL queries.

Module 8: Ontologies in Linked Data for Libraries

  • Understanding the role and development of ontologies in linked data for libraries.
  • Exploring different types of ontologies and their purposes.
  • Understanding the process of ontology development and alignment.
  • Examining key library-related ontologies (e.g., schema.org).
  • Best practices for utilizing and contributing to library ontologies.

Module 9: Transforming Metadata to Linked Data

  • Exploring strategies for transforming existing library metadata into linked data.
  • Understanding different approaches to metadata conversion (e.g., mapping, scripting).
  • Utilizing tools and technologies for metadata transformation.
  • Addressing challenges and best practices in data conversion.
  • Best practices for migrating library metadata to linked data.

Module 10: Enhancing Resource Discovery with Linked Data

  • Implementing linked data technologies to enhance resource discovery and interoperability.
  • Utilizing linked data to enrich search results and provide contextual information.
  • Connecting library resources with external datasets on the web.
  • Exploring the potential of linked data for knowledge graph development.
  • Best practices for leveraging linked data for improved resource discovery.

Module 11: Use Cases and Applications of Linked Data in Libraries

  • Analyzing use cases and applications of linked data in library contexts.
  • Exploring linked data initiatives for cultural heritage institutions.
  • Understanding how linked data can support digital humanities research.
  • Examining applications in areas such as authority control and subject access.
  • Best practices for identifying and implementing relevant linked data applications.

Module 12: Relationship Between Metadata Standards and Linked Data

  • Understanding the relationship between metadata standards and linked data principles.
  • Recognizing how existing standards can be adapted for linked data.
  • Exploring the evolution from traditional metadata to semantic web technologies.
  • Understanding the role of standards in ensuring linked data interoperability.
  • Best practices for bridging the gap between metadata standards and linked data.

Module 13: Tools and Technologies for Linked Data

  • Evaluating tools and technologies for working with linked data in libraries.
  • Exploring RDF triplestores and graph databases.
  • Utilizing linked data publishing and consumption tools.
  • Understanding relevant programming languages and libraries (e.g., Python, Jena).
  • Best practices for selecting and implementing linked data tools.

Module 14: Collaboration and Sharing of Linked Data

  • Developing strategies for collaborating and sharing linked data within the library community.
  • Understanding the importance of shared vocabularies and ontologies.
  • Exploring initiatives for creating and publishing linked open data.
  • Engaging with the wider linked data community.
  • Best practices for collaborative linked data initiatives.

Module 15: Planning for Linked Data Adoption in Your Library

  • Planning for the adoption and implementation of linked data initiatives in your library.
  • Assessing your library's readiness for linked data.
  • Developing a roadmap and strategic plan for implementation.
  • Identifying necessary skills and resources.
  • Best practices for successful linked data adoption and integration.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.

Course Schedule
Dates Fees Location Apply
12/05/2025 - 23/05/2025 $5500 Dubai
19/05/2025 - 30/05/2025 $3000 Nairobi
02/06/2025 - 13/06/2025 $3000 Nairobi
09/06/2025 - 20/06/2025 $3500 Mombasa
16/06/2025 - 27/06/2025 $3000 Nairobi
07/07/2025 - 18/07/2025 $3000 Nairobi
14/07/2025 - 25/07/2025 $5500 Johannesburg
14/07/2025 - 25/07/2025 $3000 Nairobi
04/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 $3000 Nairobi
11/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 $3500 Mombasa
18/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 $3000 Nairobi
01/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $3000 Nairobi
08/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 $4500 Dar es Salaam
15/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 $3000 Nairobi
06/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $3000 Nairobi
13/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 $4500 Kigali
20/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 $3000 Nairobi
03/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $3000 Nairobi
10/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 $3500 Mombasa
17/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 $3000 Nairobi
01/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 $3000 Nairobi
08/12/2025 - 19/12/2025 $3000 Nairobi