Implementation of linked data method in library systems: analyzing the required components and providing a pattern

The purpose of this study is to provide a model for implementing the linked data method in library systems (such as digital libraries and library catalogues), as well as to provide the components needed to perform this process. In this stage, in order to provide a practical example of converting metadata records based on linked data method, 40 metadata records from the total records of Shahnameh bibliographic family were purposefully selected from the Iran’s national library catalogue, and converted based on linked data method and finally it’s RDF graph was designed. In this study, after analyzing the structure of RDF language and connecting data in the linked data method, the steps of implementing this method in selected metadata records were explained. These steps include assigning URI; representing RDF model of bibliographic entities and relationships; converting examples of metadata records based on linked data method; providing RDF/XML code resulting from the conversion of one of the metadata records based on the linked data method; and finally creating an RDF graph. The links established in the RDF/XML syntax are richer, more accurate, more comprehensive, and more structured than current formats, and the use of linked data method allows for the coverage of a variety of bibliographic relationships between related works. Therefore, it seems that the application of linked data method can have significant effects on the process of describing and displaying relationships and links between bibliographic metadata in library systems.