23 Linked Data Things is a resource developed by Minitex, a collaboration between the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the University of Minnesota Libraries. It is a self-paced program, with each “thing” (from “Defining Linked Data” to “SPARQL Basics” to “Ethics of Linked Data”) containing readings, activities, and the option for a certificate of completion. There are also guided questions geared to direct the participant toward implementing linked data projects within their own institution. The origins of the project, from the website, are:
23 Linked Data Things grew out of Wikidata Book Club, a group of interested staff from several libraries in the Upper Midwest who started meeting monthly to learn more about that resource and how libraries were utilizing it as an on-ramp to linked data creation and experimentation. We author the Things, though we occasionally seek out colleagues who are actively working in a particular area to edit or co-author a Thing. If you need to reach us, contact us at wikidata@umn.edu. Regular authors include:
- Greta Bahnemann, Metadata Librarian, Minitex
- Lizzy Baus, Metadata Librarian, Macalester College
- Kristi Bergland, Music Metadata Librarian, University of Minnesota Libraries
- Violet Fox, Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Northwestern University
- Cecilia Genereux, Continuing Resources Metadata Librarian, University of Minnesota Libraries
- Hsianghui Liu-Spencer, Cataloging & Digital Services Librarian, Carleton College
- Sara Ring, Continuing Education Librarian, Minitex
Though there are currently 15 “Things,” new Things will be released throughout 2023.