On Nov 19, 2013, at 9:41 AM, Karen Coyle <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Eric, I think this skips a step - which is the design step in which you 
> create a domain model that uses linked data as its basis. RDF is not a 
> serialization; it actually may require you to re-think the basic 
> structure of your metadata. The reason for that is that it provides 
> capabilities that record-based data models do not. Rather than starting 
> with current metadata, you need to take a step back and ask: what does 
> my information world look like as linked data?


I respectfully disagree. I do not think it necessary to create a domain model ahead of time; I do not think it is necessary for us to re-think our metadata structures. There already exists tools enabling us — cultural heritage institutions — to manifest our metadata as RDF. The manifestations may not be perfect, but “we need to learn to walk before we run” and the metadata structures we have right now will work for right now. As we mature we can refine our processes. I do not advocate “stepping back and asking”. I advocate looking forward and doing. —Eric Morgan