Linking and opening vocabularies LHT special issue: Editorial

This editorial underscores the importance of linked data and linked open data (LD/LOD) in contemporary librarianship and information science. It aims to present the motivation for this special issue of Library High Tech (LHT), specifically the theme of linking and opening vocabularies (LOV) as a component of the LOD landscape. The editorial also seeks to describe the content of the papers and their contributions in the areas of current practice, trends, and R&D (research and development).

The editorial is organized into four main sections: Introductory aspects about linking open data; the context and inspiration for this special issue of LHT; a description of the accepted papers highlighting their contribution for LOV; and a conclusion.

The editorial presents several reflective insights for advancing LOD and LOV practices that may lead toward a more integrated semantic web.

The editorial presents a synthesis of the three editors' views on approaching the subject of linking open vocabularies. The framework for the editorial is reflected in the original call for papers that supported this special issue.