About

This blog explores the meaning of the semantic web and how it might be used and developed in libraries. Semantic Library is written by Fiona Bradley. Feel free to email me.

In the future the aim to put together an online learning program, something like Five Weeks to a Social Library.

None of this is new: Just like web 2.0 before it, the semantic web and ‘web 3.0′ primarily consists of a group of tools and mindsets that have been with us for years. Much of web 3.0 will consolidate and bring to fruition the promises of 2.0 that didn’t quite seem to be realised.

It’s a catchall for a group of technology, governance and attitudes. Technologies considered semantic/3.0 (and some predictions);

  • Semantic web: True write once, publish many: hamstrung until now by proprietary software, proliferation of XML schemas, and a lack of end-user tools.
  • Metadata: Meaning and context within and between objects, new languages.
  • Rich open data: Geotagging, eScience data for everyone
  • Content anywhere, especially mobile
  • Make your own software: bringing software and tool creation to the masses
  • Two opposing ends: on demand anywhere (video, TV, radio, text), lightweight flexible architecture

Politics and governance issues will continue to evolve to bring;

  • Ubiquitous Open Access
  • Access to Knowledge (A2K) in the developing world

If you are interested in discussing this topic, please join us at the wiki.

The usual disclaimers apply: my comments and views are my own and not necessarily those of my employers.