# Collaborative Reference Database
**Wikidata**: [Q11349872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11349872)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/collaborative-reference-database

## Summary  
The Collaborative Reference Database, operated by Japan's National Diet Library, is a specialized online resource launched in 2002 to support library reference services. It provides access to reference materials and data, serving as a centralized tool for research and information retrieval.  

## Key Facts  
- **Aliases**: NDL Collaborative Reference Database, NDL レファレンス協同データベース, レファ協DB, NDL レファ協DB, 參考協同資料庫.  
- **Country**: Japan.  
- **Website**: https://crd.ndl.go.jp/ (available in Japanese).  
- **Operator**: National Diet Library.  
- **Owned by**: National Diet Library.  
- **Inception**: 2002.  
- **Instance of**: Website, database.  
- **Main subject**: Library reference service.  
- **Sitelink count**: 1.  
- **Wikipedia languages**: Japanese.  
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11dykyqn_.  
- **External data portal**: https://crd.ndl.go.jp/reference/modules/d3ndlcrdsearch/index.php?page=simple&type=reference&mcmd=25&st=update&asc=desc&rnk=1.  

## FAQs  
- **Who operates the Collaborative Reference Database?**  
  It is operated and owned by Japan’s National Diet Library, the country’s primary legislative and research library.  

- **When was the database established?**  
  It was launched in 2002 to enhance access to reference materials for libraries and researchers.  

- **What is the database’s primary focus?**  
  It specializes in library reference services, providing curated data and resources tailored to academic and public library needs.  

- **Is the database accessible in multiple languages?**  
  The platform is primarily available in Japanese, reflecting its focus on domestic library systems and users.  

- **How is the database recognized online?**  
  It has a unique Google Knowledge Graph identifier (/g/11dykyqn_) and is documented on Japanese Wikipedia.  

## Why It Matters  
The Collaborative Reference Database plays a critical role in Japan’s library infrastructure by centralizing reference materials and streamlining access to specialized information. It addresses the challenge of fragmented resources by aggregating data into a single, reliable platform, thereby supporting research, education, and public inquiry. As a government-backed initiative, it ensures the preservation and dissemination of knowledge, aligning with the National Diet Library’s mandate to foster intellectual exchange and civic engagement.  

## Notable For  
- Operated by a national library system, ensuring authoritative content and long-term maintenance.  
- Launched in 2002 as an early example of collaborative digital resource-sharing in Japan.  
- Accessible via a dedicated portal with advanced search functionalities for precise data retrieval.  
- Recognized internationally through its Google Knowledge Graph identifier.  
- Maintains a niche focus on library reference services, distinguishing it from general-purpose databases.  

## Body  

### Overview  
The Collaborative Reference Database is a Japan-based online platform established in 2002 by the National Diet Library (NDL). It functions as both a website and a database, specializing in library reference services. The resource is accessible at https://crd.ndl.go.jp/ and is primarily available in Japanese, catering to domestic libraries, researchers, and the public.  

### History  
Launched in 2002, the database was created to address the need for a unified reference platform in Japan. Its development reflects the NDL’s broader mission to organize and provide access to information, leveraging digital tools to modernize library services.  

### Operator and Ownership  
The database is fully operated and owned by the National Diet Library, Japan’s sole legal deposit library. This institutional backing ensures the platform’s credibility, funding, and alignment with national educational and research goals.  

### Technical Details  
- **Website**: The primary URL (https://crd.ndl.go.jp/) includes qualifiers such as its Japanese language interface and the alternate name “レファレンス協同データベース.”  
- **External Data Portal**: A specialized search interface (https://crd.ndl.go.jp/reference/modules/d3ndlcrdsearch/...) enables detailed queries, with features like sorting by update date and ranking.  

### Content and Accessibility  
The database focuses on reference materials relevant to library services, including bibliographic data, research guides, and institutional resources. Its single sitelink and Japanese Wikipedia presence underscore its targeted scope, while the external data portal supports advanced research needs.  

### Recognition  
The database is identified in Google’s Knowledge Graph (/g/11dykyqn_), enhancing its visibility in search results. Its aliases, such as “NDL レファ協DB” and Chinese script “參考協同資料庫,” reflect efforts to accommodate diverse user communities.  

### Related Resources  
As part of the NDL’s digital initiatives, the database complements other services like the National Diet Library’s main website and physical collections. It exemplifies the integration of traditional library functions with modern digital tools, fostering collaboration across Japan’s library networks.

## References

1. [Source](https://crd.ndl.go.jp/reference/)