Clarivate is pleased to announce the General Availability of the Linked Open Data (LOD) Editor in Alma.
The new editor enables libraries to create and manage BIBFRAME Works and Instances directly within Alma using a flexible, ontology-guided, form-based interface. Fully integrated into Alma workflows and repository searches, the editor guides catalogers through metadata creation based on the BIBFRAME ontology, while supporting the creation and management of templates that promote consistent metadata practices and improve interoperability with linked data standards.
As part of existing Alma metadata workflows, libraries can create and edit BIBFRAME Work and Instance records without leaving the system they already use. The editor integrates linked data lookup services to support the use of authoritative identifiers and controlled vocabularies, helping improve metadata quality and enabling richer connections between library resources.
Key capabilities of the Linked Open Data BIBFRAME Editor include:
- Creation of BIBFRAME templates based on the ontology
- User-friendly form interface for creating and editing Work and Instance records
- Integrated linked data lookup services using Realtime API searches
- Seamless integration into Alma cataloging workflows and repository searches
- Out-of-the-box templates designed to support interoperability standards
In addition, the editor includes enhancements that improve usability and support core BIBFRAME cataloging workflows within Alma:
- Supporting cataloging mechanisms such as record locking, draft management, and Admin privileges to ensure data integrity and synchronization
- Support for adding manual URIs and labels in lookup fields, providing full flexibility during cataloging
- Improved navigation and actions within the editor to streamline the cataloging experience
The Linked Open Data Editor was introduced through an early access program with participating institutions, whose feedback helped refine both functionality and user experience prior to general availability.
With the release of the LOD Editor, Alma continues to expand its support for linked data workflows – providing libraries with a practical platform to learn, experiment with, and gradually adopt BIBFRAME cataloging within their existing systems, without disrupting established processes. This approach supports improved interoperability, metadata quality, and discoverability, while allowing institutions to move toward linked data at their own pace.
