Enhancing information retrieval and resource discovery from data using the Semantic Web

Data are everywhere. Often the sheer quantities of data that we store or archive in repositories or digital libraries make it difficult to navigate data; information in the data is obscured, particularly where we have Big Data. Traditionally, we record metadata on our data items to assist data classification and some information retrieval. The Semantic Web enables us to further unlock and enrich our data, by exploring how different data are related or connected. Using ontologies and Linked Data we can declare, navigate and discover semantic relationships. Relationships exist both locally, within the data, and globally, such that we can enhance our data with information retrieved from a wider context. To illustrate how the application of Semantic Web technologies aids data discovery and information retrieval, I discuss two case studies: (1) Sharing Ancient Wisdoms (SAWS), a Dynamic Library of information on selected ancient wisdom literature; and (2) the DEFRA DTC archive, a repository of data about freshwater quality in the UK.