Cataloguing in linked open data: a university library’s experience with Wikidata

Abstract

Objective: Based on an experience conducted at the library of the School of Communications and Arts (ECA) of the University of São Paulo, the objective is to address the operational aspects of importing records of scientific articles cataloged in MARC21 format into Wikidata, an open knowledge structured database. It aims to contribute to discussions on the use of Wikidata to replicate records from university library catalogs and promote connection between data sets, increasing the reach of scientific production. Methodology: Descriptive case study, bibliographic research. Results: Transforming MARC21 records into linked open data involved the collection and structuring of new data to depict the scientific production network of the institution within Wikidata. By creating metadata that links the institutional repository to Wikidata, this initiative unlocks the interconnectedness of datasets to amplify the reach of scientific production in the digital sphere. In the field of data visualization, the study identifies the importance of developing interfaces that dialogues with specific demands from the institution. Conclusions: Libraries benefit by adopting open-source software. These tools are supported by development communities, ensuring ongoing improvement and user support. Furthermore, by prioritizing open systems and open data, libraries actively contribute to the open science movement.