Sweden’s national union catalogue search is now built on linked data
Starting this spring, Sweden’s national library catalogue Libris now features a new, modern interface. The search service is now built on linked data, making it easier to discover and explore materials. This transition also positions Libris internationally at the technological forefront.
Libris is a national search service developed and maintained by the National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket, KB), a member of DCMI. Libris is the union catalogue and contains information on more than 9 million titles held by around 600 Swedish libraries. The previous search service was based on outdated technology, making it necessary to develop a new version.
Linked data improves user experience
Previously, Libris search was based on the MARC format, which originated from the way information was described on traditional catalogue cards. The new search service is instead built on linked data. This means that information is no longer stored in separate catalogue records but can be connected and presented more dynamically. Users can more easily explore relationships between books, authors, subjects, and organisations.
Now that we have fully transitioned to linked data, Libris is more flexible and easier to integrate with other systems. It is also better aligned with how users actually search for and explore information today. Libris is truly at the forefront here, and we are very proud of that,” says Oskar Laurin, Libraries Collaboration Unit Manager, at KB.
The shift to linked data represents a significant transformation within the global library community. With a national library catalogue now fully based on linked data—both at its core and in the search interface—KB is taking a clear position in this development and demonstrating that Sweden is playing an active role in the transition to linked data, which may inspire others to follow.
Development in collaboration with the Swedish library community
In developing the new service, KB has worked closely with users and Libris libraries across the country.
Libris is important to many in the Swedish library community. We have received valuable input from staff at Libris libraries, as well as end users, through workshops and user testing. We therefore feel confident that the new search service will perform very well. We now also have the right conditions to continue developing the service,” says Oskar Laurin.
Benefits of linked data
KB is driving the transition to linked data based on the BIBFRAME 2.0 format, replacing the traditional MARC21 format. Moving to linked data offers several advantages:
- Flexibility – enables information to be described and combined in more ways
- Quality assurance – shared, controlled entities reduce duplication and errors
- Interoperability – data can be more easily shared and used in other systems
- Scalability – supports continuous development using modern technology
- Data-driven capabilities – enables more advanced analysis and service development
Overall, linked data enables more cohesive, dynamic, and sustainable development of Libris.