In early 2006, UKSG commissioned a research report (Link Resolvers and the Serials Supply Chain) 'to identify the new relationships and information exchange requirements … [necessary] to maximise the benefit of OpenURL linking'. Central to the efficient operation of the OpenURL is the knowledge base, which consists of data supplied by content providers including publishers. The report found that a lack of awareness on the part of many publishers of the OpenURL's capabilities and requirements is impacting the quality and timeliness of data they provide to populate knowledge bases, and thus undermining the potential of this sophisticated technology. A program of education and advocacy will be key to improving the efficacy with which OpenURL is currently implemented, and thus to improving its impact on the library community.

The KBART (Knowledge Bases And Related Tools) working group has been set up to progress the recommendations of the research report. The group will be co-chaired by NISO and will work to:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. deliver a centralised information portal, to support educational activities and provide a comprehensive resource for further learning, e.g.:

   • Glossary
   • Entry-level explanation of OpenURL: purpose, methodology, value
   • Introduction to knowledge base supply chain parties: roles, needs, responsibilities, value
   • “How to” guides: outputting holdings data etc.
   • Links to other (selected) OpenURL literature
   • Guidelines for best practice: knowledge base format and terms of provision; inbound linking syntax
   • Relevance of other standards/initiatives/technologies e.g. ONIX, metasearch
   • Contact details of those willing to provide assistance to the bewildered

The group was publicly launched by UKSG and NISO in January 2008.

• view the launch announcement
• view a list of members
• view the tender document for the original research project
• view a report on progress during the research project's term
• view the final research report, Link Resolvers and the Serials Supply Chain
• sign up for updates on the group's progress
  • progress update, April 2008
  • progress update, June 2008