AACR2 and Metadata: Library Opportunities in the Global Semantic Web

Explores the opportunities for libraries to contribute to the proposed global “Semantic Web.” Library name and subject authority files, including work that IFLA has done related to a new view of “Universal Bibliographic Control” in the Internet environment and the work underway in the U.S. and Europe, are making a reality of the virtual international authority file on the Web. The bibliographic and authority records created according to AACR2 reflect standards for metadata that libraries have provided for years. New opportunities for using these records in the digital world are described (interoperability), including mapping with Dublin Core metadata. AACR2 recently updated Chapter 9 on Electronic Resources. That process and highlights of the changes are described, including Library of Congress’ rule interpretations.