MapFAST

An interesting tool from OCLC research, MapFAST now has a RESTful interface.

The Web Service underlying the mapFAST map demo is now available for public use. Developers can use this Web Service to develop their own applications to discover FAST headings near a geographic coordinate location.

MapFAST is a mashup prototype that uses a Google Maps interface to present FAST Geographic authority records. The prototype presents a different way to look at subject access to bibliographic records. It also demonstrates a strength of the subject faceting approach of FAST over coordinated subject headings.

The Web Service uses the RESTful standard. It takes the chosen geographic coordinates and returns a list of FAST record headings. Additional information from the FAST authority records is also returned, including alternate forms of the heading and the type of geographic feature the heading represents, such as a populated place or a mountain. Selected FAST Event Headings that can be geographically located are also returned in the list. The returned headings are listed in order of how close they are to the requested location.

OCLC Research has some very sharp, innovative people working there.

Related articles

• OCLC Research 2010: mapFAST (hangingtogether.org)

Help Protect Statewide Library Programs

Take action.

Budget Proposal Demolishes State Funding for Libraries

The State’s budget proposals for 2012-13 affect our statewide library programs. The budgets ELIMINATE Loan Star Libraries (direct aid grants to public libraries), all state funding for TexShare databases; the K-12 Database program, the Library System Negotiated Grants Program, state funding for consulting services to libraries (program/staff based at the agency), state funding for records management, and assumes an overall loss of over $8 million in IMLS funds. This federal funding is the source of funding for the regional library systems, the TANG program, and interlibrary loan. The budget futher eliminates the Technology Allotment at TEA and entire State Law Library.

This budget shows a 99% decrease in state funding for statewide local library aid programs and a 93% state cut to library resource sharing programs at the State Library. We must not let this stand. Please contact elected officials right now and let the know of the negative impact to our communities if state funding to library programs is cut.

SCATnews

The January 2011 issue of SCATnews, the newsletter of the IFLA Cataloguing Section, is now available on the website.

Metadata Scheme for the Publication and Citation of Research Data

Version 2.0 of the DataCite Metadata Scheme for the Publication and Citation of Research Data has been released.

The DataCite Metadata Scheme is a list of core metadata properties chosen for the accurate and consistent identification of data for citation and retrieval purposes, along with recommended use instructions. At a minimum, the mandatory metadata scheme properties must be provided at the time of identifier registration. Data centres and other submitters may also choose to use the optional properties to identify their data more clearly. This metadata scheme can fulfill several key functions in support of the larger goals of DataCite. Primarily these are:

• recommending a standard citation format for datasets, based on a small number of properties required for identifier registration;
• providing the basis for interoperability with other data management schemas;
• promoting dataset discovery with optional properties allowing for flexible description of the resource, including its relationship to other resources;
• and, laying the groundwork for future services (e.g., discovery) through the use of controlled terms from both a DataCite vocabulary and external vocabularies as applicable. The DataCite vocabularies will be administered by the DataCite Metadata Supervisor who will establish and publicize procedures for submitting changes.

Seen on DigitalKoans.