Clarivate opens up library metadata with enhanced SkyRiver
Clarivate has launched an enhanced version of its SkyRiver platform, with a focus on open bibliographic metadata, interoperability and AI-assisted record creation for libraries.
The company said the updated platform is designed to give libraries a more affordable way to source, manage and share bibliographic metadata across institutions, consortia and different library management systems.
SkyRiver uses open metadata by default, with records intended to be as reusable as possible while still respecting contributor requirements, licensing obligations and institutional governance policies. Libraries retain control over whether and how they participate and contribute metadata.
The launch comes as libraries face growing pressure to improve efficiency while adapting their discovery services. Clarivate argues that trusted and interoperable metadata will become increasingly important to those services, particularly as artificial intelligence plays a greater role in discovery and cataloguing.
The enhanced SkyRiver platform includes AI-powered record creation capabilities intended to make the creation of high-quality metadata more efficient.
Yoel Goldenberg, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Academia & Government at Clarivate, said: “Libraries need trusted metadata that can be shared, reused and integrated across systems without sacrificing choice, transparency or governance.
“The enhanced SkyRiver platform helps libraries work more efficiently through community open metadata sharing, while introducing AI-powered capabilities that make it easier to create high-quality records. As libraries explore the future of discovery, trusted metadata will be more important than ever.”
Clarivate said the platform is intended to enable libraries to exchange and reuse metadata across different library management systems and improve interoperability between individual institutions, consortia and wider library networks.
Users will also have access to information about the rights, sources, attribution and access conditions associated with metadata. The approach is intended to allow institutions to reuse open bibliographic metadata while retaining local control and respecting contributor and licensing requirements.
Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian, University of Delaware, said: “Our partnership with Clarivate on SkyRiver reflects our commitment to high-quality, open metadata that increases the visibility and discoverability of our collections while supporting collaboration across the library community.”
Brett Waytuck, Dean, University Libraries and Archives, University of Regina, said: “Discoverability depends on trusted metadata and workflows that recognise the value libraries contribute. The enhanced SkyRiver platform presents an opportunity to explore a practical approach that preserves local metadata enhancements, integrates with existing operations and helps libraries realise greater value from their collections.”
Alongside the platform launch, Clarivate plans to establish a Metadata Governance Advisory Group. The group will provide community input into the future development of SkyRiver, including its metadata policies, quality standards and governance principles.
Clarivate said the initiative forms part of a wider commitment to transparency and community engagement around the development and use of bibliographic metadata.