IPSWICH, Mass. — December 7, 2022 — EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is introducing BiblioGraph, a linked data technology that allows users to explore, use and access library catalogs from anywhere on the web. BiblioGraph is the next step in EBSCO’s long-standing commitment to developing linked data-driven technologies and is a direct result of EBSCO’s acquisition of Zepheira in 2020.
BiblioGraph leverages BIBFRAME to transform the library catalog into linked data resources using data from authoritative sources — making connections within a library catalog to show related people, topics, items, publishers, and more, allowing users to find and use their library’s resources on the web. Library staff can track usage statistics through automated reports, demonstrating how often people use BIBFRAME to use their library’s catalog.
When an academic, national, or public library subscribes to BiblioGraph, the institution automatically joins thousands of others in a network of linked data that is available to open search websites like Google, linking back to the library and expanding visibility. Since integrating with Google in 2017, the impact of these technologies has grown globally. In 2020, Google expanded its borrowing actions to include even more services. BiblioGraph has since connected library catalogs to Google’s knowledge panel in the United States, Canada, and Australia, with libraries in additional countries beginning to participate.
BiblioGraph works with any integrated library system and discovery service. When combined with FOLIO, libraries can mix the benefits of open data with the power of open source development. Current EBSCO FOLIO clients using BiblioGraph include Massey University and the University of Melbourne. Within weeks of activating their service, and with no promotion, the University of Melbourne immediately saw users come into the library catalog via the open web that would have otherwise likely been lost. Using BiblioGraph with EBSCO FOLIO, these forward-thinking libraries collaborate with EBSCO to decide how data should flow between systems and define new features for both services.
University of Melbourne Library Manager of Discovery, Caroline Gauld, says BiblioGraph helps make books and e-books more visible to users across the web, especially in Google results. “From our user experience research, we know that our students invariably start their information searches on Google and researchers use very individualised apps and workflows to keep up to date. Having our data published openly on the web makes it possible to connect with our students and researchers wherever they are on the web, without waiting for them to come to our systems. We already see thousands of click-throughs each month via the Borrow action in Google results and via apps that can use the linked data, and we expect usage to grow over time.”
Senior Product Manager for Linked Data Innovation, Gloria Gonzalez, says BiblioGraph provides more transparency into library collections, enhancing the library’s ability to serve users who are conducting research anytime, anywhere. “By connecting libraries to their users from anywhere on the web, BiblioGraph helps libraries expand their reach, making their collections available to a broader audience. With the addition of BiblioGraph to EBSCO’s tools, we look forward to making it easier for patrons to find the information they need when, where, and how they want it.”
By making borrowing an option in Google’s knowledge panels, BiblioGraph enhances the library catalog's portability, visibility and value. Social Media and Digital Literacy Librarian at the Nesmith Library, in Windham, New Hampshire, Chelsea Paige, says BiblioGraph has had an impact on both library staff and end users. “Both staff and users can see our catalog items show up in Google searches through knowledge panels, and our statistics show that we are getting visitors from the borrow option that takes users directly to our catalog. It’s nice to see that our library’s name, borrow link, and collection are visible and accessible through a Google search and that local users can find us when they search for specific items.”
For more information on BiblioGraph, visit: https://www.ebsco.com/products/bibliograph.
About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Erica Gilson
Senior Communications Specialist
978-414-0385
egilson@ebsco.com
