Awareness of Linked Open Data Among the Employees of Polish Libraries, Archives, and Museums

Abstract

Purpose/Thesis: This article presents the results of a survey conducted in January 2021 among employees of Polish libraries, museums, and archives, examining their awareness of open linked data technologies. The research had a pilot character and its results will be used to improve the questionnaire and to conduct research on a wider scale. Approach/Methods: The survey method was used in the study. Results and conclusions: On the basis of answers received, it can be concluded that open linked data is not yet very well-known among employees of Polish libraries, museums, and archives. Those most aware of technologies allowing for machine understanding of content shared on the Web are doctorate degree-holders employed in research libraries. Furthermore, awareness of the projects using LOD technologies does not correlate with awareness of these technological solutions. Research limitations: The number of respondents (415) constitutes 1% of all the people employed in libraries, archives, and museums in Poland (based on data provided by the Central Statistical Office of Poland). This is not a large number, but considering the variety among the respondents, the sample can be considered representative. Originality/Value: The awareness of Linked Open Data among employees of Polish libraries, archives, and museums has not been the subject of any study so far. In fact, this type of research has not been conducted in other countries either.