The Opportunity
Baker Library aims to meet its objective of being at the vanguard of academic library innovation, linked data experimentation, semantic data modeling, and digital product development through new, cutting-edge technology and processes. The current architecture needs to be redesigned to create a better information ecosystem for the HBS community.
The Solution
Baker Library and HBS IT are working together to deliver a new foundational architecture to support the critical elements of Baker’s website, which is used by scholars across in their research. This new architecture will consider several other key technology innovations occurring across HBS including elements of digital transformation and best practices in enterprise architecture and access management, including Web Content Management (CMS), Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Program, and Identity and Access Management (IAM).
We are moving elements of the architecture from on-premises servers to the cloud, in alignment with our enterprise cloud-first strategy. We are experimenting with cutting edge technology in the search space to allow users of HBS sites to more easily discover materials, and we are also building an enterprise data catalog to enable users of HBS data to find what they need.
The Impact
The Baker Architecture Modernization Program will evolve Baker Library technology and processes to support its objective of being at the vanguard of academic library innovation, linked data experimentation, semantic data modeling, and digital product development. This initiative will keep Baker at the forefront of digital knowledge management while dramatically enhancing capabilities and offering a more coherent user experience.
The project will have a positive impact on all end users of Baker Library public-facing assets, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the greater public.
“Staff, faculty, and all academic program participants will benefit from the data democratization that will be the outcome of the data catalog effort,” says Ken Peterson, the executive director for Knowledge and Library Services at the Baker Library |Bloomberg Center at HBS. “This project is essential for enhancing our community’s ability to engage with HBS data.”
Strategic Plan Reference: 2.01 Baker Architecture Modernization Program