The Big Picture: Visualizing Networks in the Shared Research Repository

This presentation introduces work done to visualise co-authorship patterns across the British Library Research Repository and the Cultural Heritage Shared Research Repository. The visualisation program was developed to help repository managers of the Shared Research Repository visualize content and map co-authorship networks, graphical representations of relationships between authors based on shared publications. Co-authorship networks are crucial for identifying collaboration patterns, key contributors, and the structure of research communities. Using machine learning, subject clusters were also identified by analyzing metadata, such as keywords and abstracts. These clusters reveal thematic areas and were visually integrated into the co-authorship networks, linking authors to specific subjects. This approach allows repository managers to explore research themes, identify leading authors, and understand connections between works and cultural heritage institutions. The tool enhances the accessibility and usability of repository resources, providing transferable solutions for each partner repository in the Shared Repository. By offering actionable insights, it supports data dissemination to funders, administrators, and the public while advancing understanding of the cultural heritage sector.