Entity Modelling by Possemato, Tiziana;

Short description:

This guide aims to improve the principles of the third generation of cataloguing and, more widely, to contribute to the shift of paradigm related to the emerging bibliographic ecosystem. Readers will learn the importance of adopting new methods to remain relevant in modern and international settings, which will empower them to approach and apply entity modelling with greater confidence.

Long description:

Combining theory and practical knowledge, this guide is an essential companion to library and information specialists looking for an introduction to and solid grounding in aspects of new cataloguing theory, practice and trends.

The book investigates the concepts of ‘entity’ and ‘identity’ in the field of cataloguing as a starting point for analysing and illustrating ‘entity modelling’ - an innovative contribution to third generation cataloguing, which involves Linked Open Data. Drawing on the history of cataloguing as well as elements of philosophy and computer science, the work sets out how to apply entity modelling in GLAM settings and facilitate communication and interoperability across the GLAM sector.

Analysing a range of international case studies relating to specific bibliographic entries, readers will gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts and practices involved in entity modelling to transform cataloguing at their own libraries and institutions.

This book presents a deep, philosophical investigation into the somewhat elusive notion of entity modelling as applied in cataloguing practice. It convincingly demonstrates how issues grappled with in everyday bibliographical work lead back to the age-old, big questions of being and identity, and by that, enables readers to form independent thoughts on practical solutions. Anyone intrigued by the conceptual underpinnings of bibliographical work – cataloguers and terminologists alike – should read this book. So should anyone dismissing cataloguing as a mere mechanical activity.

Table of Contents:

Figures and Tables

About the Author

Prologue by Philip E. Schreur

Foreword by Carlo Bianchini

Foreword by Maurizio Vivarelli

Introduction by Mauro Guerrini: Entity Modelling or Rather, the Next Generation of Cataloguing

Acknowledgements

List of Acronyms

The Context

The theme\ The historical context\ The state of the art\ Research sources and articulation of the work

1. I Contain Multitudes

Introduction\ Questions to resolve\ Entity and Identity\ Diachronic and synchronic identities in the bibliographic universe\ Conclusions on the concepts of entity and identity

2. The World is My Representation

Introduction\ On the record: the declaration of a new course to adapt to the language of the web\ What is a real-world object?\ Entity resolution and entity modelling\ Conclusions on the transition from record to entity modelling

3. Panta Rei, or the Fluidity of the Universe

Introduction\ The entity as a prism\ Capturing things in change\ Examples of emerging entities in cataloguing\ The transience of intrinsic properties, the persistence of relational properties\ Conclusions on change and persistence

4. O Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?

Introduction\ The agent in cataloguing tradition\ The treatment of popes in cataloguing tradition\ Identifying entities and identities through URIs\ Conclusions on entity modelling and the significance of changing collective mindsets\ Final reflections

Appendix: Attributes of the entity svde:opus and svde:work

Endnotes

Bibliography

Index