David Reeves: Adventures in linked  data: Auckland  Museum’s new  collection online  database
Channel: NDF - National Digital Forum
Date: 18/10/2015

Day 2 of NDF 2015, 2.30pm Wednesday 14 October 2015

In upgrading their online collections, Auckland Museum faced the challenge of multiple data sources, a range of standards and variable record completeness. The second challenge was the Google effect – the expectation that everything is accessible easily from one search box.

Linked open data (LOD) provided a solution to these challenges. LOD allows Auckland Museum to showcase a one-collection experience, that enables users to explore and discover the hidden connections between a variety of records while retaining the specialist terminologies of the source data. The library catalogue, natural science specimens, cultural collections, and the cenotaph database are searchable alongside each other to meet the needs of general and specialist users.

David will present their journey into the depths of linked data, and reflect on both the technical and social development undergone to embrace this technology and to prepare for the future.

David Reeves is Director of Collections and Research at Auckland Museum. David has worked with Adam Moriarty for the past two years raising awareness and driving innovation in traditional museums data capture. They are both passionate about open access to our shared cultural heritage, unlocking cross collection stories and connecting digital content with the wider community.