Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to comparatively evaluate two semantic models, ArchOnto (CIDOC CRM based) and Records in Contexts Ontology (RiC-O), for archival representation within the Linked Open Data framework. The research seeks to critically analyse their ability to represent archival documents, events, activities, and provenance through the application on a case study of historical baptism records.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a comparative approach, utilising the two models to represent a dataset of baptism records from a Portuguese parish spanning several centuries. This involved information extraction and conversion processes, transforming XML EAD finding aids into RDF to facilitate more explicit semantic representation and analysis.FindingsThe analysis revealed distinctive strengths and limitations of each semantic model, providing nuanced insights into their respective capacities for archival description. The findings guide cultural heritage institutions in selecting and implementing the most suitable semantic model for their needs and pave the way for semantic alignment between the two models.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the case study explored the representation of a wide range of features, potential limitations include the specific contextual constraints of parish records and the need for broader comparative studies across diverse archival contexts.Originality/valueThis paper offers original insights into semantic modelling for archival representations by providing a detailed comparative analysis of two ontological approaches. It offers valuable perspectives for archivists, digital humanities researchers, and cultural heritage professionals seeking to enhance the semantic richness of archival descriptions.

Abstract
The Locarno Film Festival (LFF) archives represent a valuable collection of cinematic history, providing essential resources for research, education, and the promotion of international film culture. To ensure these resources are easily accessible, it is crucial to develop advanced methods for managing and linking the information they contain. This work focuses on creating a shared way for organizing information, transforming the LFF archives into dynamic, interconnected resources. This transformation is essential for preserving cinematic heritage, improving discoverability, promoting digital transformation, and efficiently managing archives. Using an interdisciplinary approach, we developed the OntoFest following the Linked Open Terms (LOT) Methodology. Significant outcomes of this project include the successful reuse of existing ontologies to manage heterogeneous information, which has improved our ability to understand and retrieve relevant data. This work demonstrates the potential of digital archives in the cinematic field and provides a foundation for future initiatives in digitizing cinematic heritage archives. OntoFest not only contributes to preserving the cinematic cultural heritage of the LFF but also lays the groundwork for new research and creative applications in the digital transformation of film festival archives. © 2024 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda.

Abstract
Various sectors within the heritage domain have developed linked data models to describe their cultural artefacts comprehensively. Within the archival domain, ArchOnto, a data model rooted in CIDOC CRM, uses linked data to open archival information to new uses through the prism of linked data. This paper seeks to investigate the potential to use information in archival records in a larger context. It aims to leverage classes and properties sourced from repositories deemed informal due to their crowd-sourcing nature and the possibility of inconsistencies or lack of precision in the data but rich in content, such as the cases of Wikidata and DBpedia. The anticipated outcome is attaining a more comprehensive and expressive archival description, fostering enhanced understanding and assimilation of archival information among domain specialists and lay users. To achieve this, we first analyse existing archive records currently described under the ISAD(G) standard to discern the typologies of entities involved. Subsequently, we map these entities within the ArchOnto ontology and establish correspondences with alternative models. We observed that entities associated with people, places, and events benefited the most from integrating properties sourced from Wikidata and DBpedia. This integration enhanced their comprehensibility and enriched them at a semantic level.

Abstract
An institution must understand its users to provide quality services, and archives are no exception. Over the years, archives have adapted to the technological world, and their users have also changed. To understand archive users' characteristics and motivations, we conducted a study in the context of the Portuguese Archives. For this purpose, we analysed a survey and complemented this analysis with information gathered in interviews with archivists. Based on the most frequent reasons for visiting the archives, we defined six main archival profiles (genealogical research, historical research, legal purposes, academic work, institutional purposes and publication purposes), later characterised using the results of the previous analysis. For each profile, we created a persona for a more visual and realistic representation of users.

Abstract
Archives are facing numerous challenges. On the one hand, archival assets are evolving to encompass digitized documents and increasing quantities of born-digital information in diverse formats. On the other hand, the audience is changing along with how it wishes to access archival material. Moreover, the interoperability requirements of cultural heritage repositories are growing. In this context, the Portuguese Archives started an ambitious program aiming to evolve its data model, migrate existing records, and build a new archival management system appropriate to both archival tasks and public access. The overall goal is to have a fine-grained and flexible description, more machine-actionable than the current one. This work describes ArchOnto, a linked open data model for archives, and rules for its automatic population from existing records. ArchOnto adopts a semantic web approach and encompasses the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model and additional ontologies, envisioning interoperability with datasets curated by multiple communities of practice. Existing ISAD(G)-conforming descriptions are being migrated to the new model using the direct mappings provided here. We used a sample of 25 records associated with different description levels to validate the completeness and conformity of ArchOnto to existing data. This work is in progress and is original in several respects: (1) it is one of the first approaches to use CIDOC CRM in the context of archives, identifying problems and questions that emerged during the process and pinpointing possible solutions; (2) it addresses the balance in the model between the migration of existing records and the construction of new ones by archive professionals; and (3) it adopts an open world view on linking archival data to global information sources.