Developing a Spanish-language Homosaurus: Using Multi-language Linked Data to Enhance LGBTQ+ Resource Discoverability

FAIN: PR-290081-23

University of Washington (Seattle, WA 98105-6613)
Marika Cifor (Project Director: May 2022 to present)
K.J. Rawson (Co Project Director: March 2023 to present)

A Tier II project to develop a multi-language linked data platform and a Spanish-language version of the Homosaurus, a controlled vocabulary used to describe LGBTQ+ resources by libraries, archives, museums, and other heritage institutions.

The University of Washington is seeking funding for "Developing a Spanish-language Homosaurus: Using Multi-Language Linked Data to Enhance LGBTQ+ Resource Discoverability." This project has a two-tiered goal of developing a multi-language linked data platform and creating and implementing a Spanish-language version of the Homosaurus vocabulary. The Homosaurus facilitates improved access to LGBTQ+ resources in cultural heritage institutions. This project is a three year collaboration with the Arizona Queer Archives, San Francisco Public Library, and UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center. Each partner has LGBTQ+ collections that would benefit from the addition of Spanish metadata. The implications of this project for linked open data and multi-language discovery systems are considerable. This grant supports the development of a multi-language back-end architecture, a procedure for translation and partnerships, and an implementation strategy to be used for additional languages.