Linked Data in Libraries

female library worker on computer with purple and blue circle pattern behind her

What is Linked Data?

Linked data is a method of publishing structured data so that connections between individual pieces of information — such as authors, works, and subjects — can be identified. In libraries, linked data transforms static metadata into interoperable, context-rich information that integrates into the wider web of knowledge.

By applying linked data principles, libraries can move beyond siloed records to create discoverable, connected, and reusable metadata that supports researchers, students, and the global open knowledge community.

Why Linked Data Matters for Libraries

  • Improved Discovery and Access

    Linked data enables richer search experiences by connecting library metadata with internal and external datasets. It highlights connections between authors, works, subjects, and more. This helps users discover related resources across institutions, formats, and languages.

  • Interoperability Across Systems

    Linked data connects disparate ontologies and vocabularies, allowing for simpler integration with archives, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions. This creates unified access to diverse collections.

  • Enhanced Metadata Quality

    Unlike traditional library metadata (like MARC records), linked data is flexible and reusable in new contexts. Authority control (e.g., for authors, subjects) becomes more dynamic and globally consistent as linked data is maintained in real time.

  • Support for Open Knowledge Initiatives

    By adopting linked data, libraries can contribute to and benefit from open data ecosystems, aligning with values of transparency, accessibility, and collaboration.

Connect the Dots with Linked Data

Download the free white paper to learn more about how linked data works and why it matters to libraries.

Download white paper
illustration representing scholarly graph, multiple circles all connected by lines

How EBSCO Uses Linked Data

EBSCO uses linked data across its platforms and services to improve discovery, streamline workflows, and ensure future-ready products for libraries and researchers. 

The EBSCO Scholarly Graph (ESG) is a linked data framework that connects scholarly entities, including people, publications and topics. By structuring relationships across hundreds of millions of records, the ESG helps researchers uncover connections, trace impact, and navigate the scholarly information network more intuitively. 

The ESG provides the foundation for new discovery experiences and enhancements across our research platforms. Explore linked data features coming soon and released on the EBSCO Research Platforms Roadmap.

illustration representing scholarly graph, multiple circles all connected by lines
image of two researchers looking at a desktop with circle pattern in the background

Citation Discovery

Available in EBSCOhost and EBSCO Discovery Service, Citation Discovery leverages the ESG to help researchers see how works are connected and understand their impact within the academic community.

  • Citations demonstrate where and how often a work has been cited by other publications, helping researchers follow the influence of an article and see how scholarship develops over time.
  • References display the sources cited within a work, allowing researchers to uncover authoritative studies that shaped its findings and to easily explore related scholarship.
  • Retractions indicate works that have been retracted or corrected to help researchers quickly identify content that may have integrity concerns while maintaining access to the complete scholarly record.
library worker researching on laptop at a desk with circle pattern behind the image

People Pages

People Pages in EBSCOhost and EBSCO Discovery Service enrich research by aggregating and contextualizing data about authors and contributors.

  • Topical expertise: Past areas of research and disciplines the scholar has worked within
  • Metrics and identifiers: Publication counts, citation counts, and links to OpenAlex profiles
  • Top co-authors: Overlapping counts by work and publication
  • Works list: All works returned from the Scholarly Graph, including those that are not available via a current EBSCO subscription for the corresponding profile

Visit EBSCO Connect to learn more about how People Pages work. 

library worker researching on laptop at a desk with circle pattern behind the image

Ready to explore linked data solutions for your library?

Whether you’re looking to enhance interoperability, improve discovery, or future-proof your catalog, EBSCO’s linked data experts can help.

Contact us