EBSCO Information Services Introduces Enhanced Linked Data Features for Researchers

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) has taken a major stride forward in scholarly research by unveiling new capabilities within its EBSCO Scholarly Graph (ESG). This linked data framework is aimed at enhancing how researchers explore, evaluate, and connect with scholarship.

With the growth of academic research and the complexity of information, EBSCO recognizes the challenges faced by researchers in navigating through vast amounts of data. To address this, the ESG framework effectively links scholarly entities such as authors, publications, and relevant topics. This innovative structure allows researchers to uncover intricate connections, track impacts, and navigate the academic information landscape more efficiently.

The ESG aggregates essential metadata from reputable sources, thus enriching it with contextual relationships and standardized identifiers. Currently, the graph encompasses nearly 900 million entities, which include various works, authors, organizations, and topics. Furthermore, it boasts a staggering 3.8 billion relationships, such as citations and authorship connections, modeled under the Builde ontology. This ontology is a simplified variant of the widely known BIBFRAME model from the Library of Congress, offering a streamlined vocabulary for describing scholarly works and interrelationships. Importantly, the ESG is updated daily, ensuring researchers have access to the latest information.

One of the first notable features launched under this initiative is Citation Discovery, available in the EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) and EBSCOhost®. Citation Discovery equips researchers with insights into how various works relate to one another and their overall impact on the academic community. By providing data on citations, researchers can track the influence of specific articles, see how scholarly discourse develops over time, and identify the sources that have informed those works. This capability further allows academics to locate authoritative studies pertinent to their research endeavors easily.

Timothy Lull, EBSCO's Senior Vice President of Product Management, states, “ESG reflects EBSCO's broader commitment to advancing research infrastructure. By building on open frameworks with the EBSCO Scholarly Graph, we are aiding libraries and researchers in navigating an increasingly intricate information landscape with enhanced simplicity and transparency.”

The launch of Citation Discovery is merely the beginning of a comprehensive series of enhancements powered by the EBSCO Scholarly Graph. Upcoming updates are set to include features like retraction badges, which will clearly highlight retracted articles in search outcomes, and enriched records with detailed citation listings. Additionally, concepts such as People Pages that link works to their authors and co-author networks are planned to enhance the transparency and contextual understanding of scholarly contributions.

About EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Information Services stands as a foremost provider of online research content and pioneering search technologies catering to libraries, healthcare institutions, corporations, and government agencies worldwide. Recognized for leadership in AI-enabled services, EBSCO provides extensive solutions encompassing research management, subscription services, discovery services, and clinical decision support, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its varied clientele. With a steadfast dedication to innovation driven by AI, EBSCO is poised to adapt to the dynamic landscape of information services, empowering institutions and researchers alike. For more information about EBSCO's services and innovations, visit EBSCO's official website, or engage with them on platforms like X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.