Publishing a Knowledge Organization System as Linked Data: The Case of the Universal Decimal Classification

Abstract: Linked data (LD) technology is hailed as a long-awaited solution in web-based information exchange. Linked Open Data (LOD) bring this to another level by enabling meaningful linking of resources and creating a global, openly accessible knowledge graph. Our case is the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC) and the challenges for a KOS service provider to maintain an LD service. UDC was created during the period 1896--1904 to support systematic organization and information retrieval of a bibliography. When discussing UDC as LD we make a distinction between two types of UDC data or two provenances: UDC source data, and UDC codes as they appear in metadata. To serve the purpose of supplying semantics one has to front--end UDC LD with a service that can parse and interpret complex UDC strings. While the use of UDC is free the publishing and distributing of UDC data is protected by a licence. Publishing of UDC both as LD and as LOD must be provided for within a complex service that would allow open access as well as access through a paywall barrier for different levels of licences. The practical task of publishing the UDC as LOD was informed by the '10Things guidelines'. The process includes conceptual parts and technological parts. The transition to a new technology is never a purely mechanical act but is a research endeavour in its own right. The UDC case has shown the importance of cross-domain, inter-disciplinary collaboration which needs experts well situated in multiple knowledge domains.