katalogin

Katalogin is a fictional, open-source framework introduced in scholarly discussions as a hypothetical universal cataloging platform designed for libraries, archives, and museums. The term is used to examine how diverse metadata schemas and repository systems could interoperate within a single, coherent ecosystem. In these scenarios, Katalogin serves as a model for modular architecture, governance, and sustainability rather than a concrete product.

Origin and concept: The concept emerges from debates on metadata standardization, linked data, and cross-repository search. It is not a real software project, but a thought experiment used to illustrate challenges such as schema mapping, authority control, licensing, and versioning across institutions with different practices.

Design and features: The envisioned architecture is modular and service-oriented, with components for ingestion, transformation, storage, indexing, and discovery. Core compatibility layers support metadata standards including Dublin Core, MODS, MARC21, EAD, and Schema.org mappings. Data are modeled in RDF and JSON-LD, and exposed via RESTful APIs and a SPARQL-like query layer. The design emphasizes provenance, audit trails, access control, and licensing.

Impact and reception: As a thought experiment, Katalogin informs discussions about interoperability, governance, and long-term sustainability of shared catalogs. Critics note the gap between idealized models and institutional realities, such as resource constraints and governance fragmentation, while others praise the clarity it brings to planning cross-institution projects.

See also: Metadata; Cataloging; Digital libraries.