Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Meyer reported that 59% of readers in a survey by Canada's National
Research Council wanted linking from references to cited articles (Meyer,
2008). However, reference quality and accuracy have been weaknesses in
scholarly publishing for many years. Meyer goes on to describe a number
of areas of best practice for publishers, including checking references
earlier in the submission process. In addition, A&I databases can include
incorrect citations; a quick search of one database in preparation for the
opening section of this chapter revealed 18 records, one of which led the
author to the wrong issue of the required journal.
In 1998 Tim Berners Lee suggested that 'Cool URIs don't change'
(Berners Lee, 1998); however, over ten years later, PIs are not routinely
applied, and this is essential in the digital information world.
The key to resource discovery
In January 2008 UKSG and NISO jointly launched the Knowledge
Bases And Related Tools working group (KBART)
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to:
Develop and publish guidelines for best practice to effect
smoother interaction between members of the knowledge base
supply chain. Knowledge base providers and their customers
(primarily academic libraries) will benefit from provision of higher
quality data by content providers. Publishers will benefit from
accurate linking to their content and subsequently the possibility
of increased usage.
1
Provide educational events that will address the roles of each
(relevant) party in the supply chain, the functions each needs to
carry out to improve supply of data to knowledge bases, and the
value of doing so in each case. Content providers will benefit from
a greater understanding of the needs and activities of those to
whom they supply data; knowledge base providers and libraries
will again benefit from improvements that can be expected when
content providers are better educated.
2
Deliver a centralised information portal, to support educational
activities and provide a comprehensive resource for further
learning.
3
(www.niso.org/workrooms/kbart)
The KBART Report from February 2009 indicated that progress is
