An Analysis of the Current Bibliographical Data Landscape in the Humanities. A Case for the Joint Bibliodata Agendas of Public Stakeholders

Abstract

This report has been prepared by the “Bibliographical Data” Working Group of the DARIAH-ERIC consortium, which develops public digital research infrastructure for the arts and humanities. The Group consists of more than 30 members from 15 countries, most of whom are researchers and curators in the public sector who are engaged in bibliographical data (“bibliodata”) research and curation. This report is aimed at all active stakeholders in the humanities bibliodata landscape,especially public sector entities who may benefit from the Group’s insights and engage in cooperation to identify common interests, shape joint agendas, and achieve common goals. Those goals include creating shared infrastructure solutions, harmonising existing standards, and building partnerships to meet major challenges for contemporary bibliodata stakeholders. The bibliodata landscape is a dynamic ecosystem including the many stakeholders who produce, process, and use diverse bibliographical resources (datasets, tools, services). Following the digital revolution, this landscape has been reconfigured and a critical era is now upon us that demands closer investigation. This report analyses the state of the art by defining current bibliodata (Chapter 1), mapping the contemporary landscape (Chapter 2), identifying crucial stakeholder challenges and opportunities (Chapter 3), and offering recommendations for future cooperation (Chapter 4). This report presents an overview of issues in the bibliodata landscape. It is intended to provide a foundation for more detailed reports and case studies on the issues identified in this document.