Advancing the Semantic Web via Library Functions

This article explores the applicability of primary library functions (collection development, cataloging, reference, and circulation) to the Semantic Web. The article defines the Semantic Web, identifies similarities between the library institution and the Semantic Web, and presents research questions guiding the inquiry. The article addresses each library function and demonstrates the applicability of each function’s policies to Semantic Web development. Results indicate that library functions are applicable to Semantic Web, with “collection development” translating to “Semantic Web selection”; “cataloging” translating to “Semantic Web ‘semantic’ representation”; “reference” translating to “Semantic Web service”; and circulation translating to “Semantic Web resource use.” The last part of this article includes a discussion about the lack of embrace between the library and the Semantic Web communities, recommendations for reducing this gap, and conclusions