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Abstract

In 2006, a UKSG-funded research study explored the data supply chain that has developed in recent years to facilitate the creation of link resolver knowledge bases.Through a combination of interviews and an online survey, a sample of content providers, subscription agents, link resolver suppliers, librarians and other stakeholders was consulted, to better understand this supply chain and any challenges it faces. The final report documents the current data flow arrangements and the roles, relationships and expectations of participating stakeholders. In addition, a number of issues and barriers to improving and extending the data flow for the benefit of library users are identified. Two central recommendations are made. Firstly, a Project COUNTER-style initiative should be established to define a code of practice for effective knowledge base supply chain participation. Secondly, stakeholders should build on early experiments with XML data formats and web services technology to accelerate and automate data transfers.