A survey of time based approaches for linked data

Abstract

Purpose Linked data technologies promise different ways of querying and retrieving information that enable individuals to have search experiences that are broader and more coordinated than those common in current library technologies. It is vital that information technologies be able to incorporate temporal capabilities or reasoning to allow for the more nuanced interactions with resources, particularly as they change over time. The purpose of this paper is to assess methods currently in use that allow for temporal querying of resources serialized as linked data. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines philosophical models, experimental approaches and common standards to identify areas of alignment and divergence in their orientations toward serializing time and change as linked data. By framing approaches and standards within the context of philosophical theories, a clear preference for certain models of time emerge. Findings While there have been several approaches to serializing time as linked data, none have found their way into a full implementation by standards in common use. Further, approaches to the issue are largely rooted in one model of philosophical thought that is particularly oriented to computational approaches. As such there is a gap between methods and standards, and a large room for further investigation into temporal models that may be applicable for different contexts. A call for investigation into a model that can cascade in to different temporal approaches is provided. Originality/value While there are many papers concerning serializing time as linked data, none have tried to thoroughly align these to philosophical theories of time and further to standards currently in use.