Dagbani Wikimedia User Group Partners with KNUST's College of Science Library to Develop Linked Open Data System on Wikibase Cloud

June 1, 2024

Introduction

To revolutionize the organization and accessibility of bibliographic records, the Dagbani Wikimedia User Group, supported by the Wikimedia Foundation and Wikimedia Deutschland, has joined forces with the College of Science Library at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to implement a cutting-edge Wikibase project. The project focuses on developing a customized Wikibase instance designed to create a highly organized and well-structured data repository, streamlining the management of information resources housed within the college library.

Wikibase and Libraries: A Perfect Match

The Wikibase infrastructure, a free and open-source innovation, offers a user-friendly interface, powerful data management tools, and a flexible data model tailored to the needs of modern libraries. Wikibase is ideally suited for creating and maintaining comprehensive library records and has the potential to foster collaborative cataloging efforts among neighboring libraries, paving the way for a more interconnected and accessible network of academic resources.

KNUST Wikibase Project Implementation Process

The implementation of the Wikibase project at the College of Science Library at KNUST is being carried out in a series of well-defined phases. This structured approach includes:

• Comprehensive Project Planning
• Training and Capacity Building Initiatives
• Setting Up the Wikibase Instance
• Data Cleaning, Migration, and Structuring
• Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance
• Launch and Deployment
• Ongoing Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

In-person Training and Workshop

As part of the Wikibase project implementation at KNUST’s College of Science Library, the implementation team have organized series of in-person workshops to equip librarians at Kwame Nkrumah University with the skills to effectively use the Wikibase.cloud infrastructure. These workshops focused on setting up Wikibase.cloud accounts, configuring a dedicated Wikibase instance for the library, as well as populating the instance with relevant data.

Project Implementation Team

Sadik Shahadu – (Project Lead/Coordinator)

Omorodion Okuonghae – (Project Advisor): Omorodion is an experienced librarian from Nigeria and Coordinator of the Wikibase in Nigerian Libraries Project. He brings great experience with Wikibase project and as a Librarian to this project.