Finding the Concept, Not Just the Word: A Librarian's Guide to Ontologies and Semantics

Citation

Cleyle, S. (2009), "Finding the Concept, Not Just the Word: A Librarian's Guide to Ontologies and Semantics", The Electronic Library, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 739-740. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910979697

No matter if the librarian is an administrator looking at new programs, a front line reference librarian dealing with patrons, or a cataloguer, this book should be required reading. Technology has advanced to the point where the semantic web is a reality, and as expert searchers we need to understand that the way we approach searching and the way our patrons approach searching is changing. To quote the authors: “Ontologies and semantics have the power to transform the future of knowledge management for librarians and the public” (p. xxi).

The book has 14 chapters spread over four sections including Part 1: understanding ontologies; Part 2: semantic technologies; Part 3: case studies: theory into practice; and Part 4: advanced topics. While Parts 1 and 2 provide an excellent, well written summation of the concepts and the technology involved, it is Part 3 that walks the reader through real life implementations. Four case studies are provided and while three are based in health care, it is easy for the reader to see applications for other subject areas.

The authors have organized the book so that it can be read once but consulted over and over again. Each chapter concludes with a key concept section, providing an overview of the chapter. There is an extensive list of additional resources, outlining many of the book's general and specific concepts. The bibliography is exhaustive and an excellent index is provided.

This title is highly recommended to all information managers.