# ResearchSpace

> Free Semantic Web open source platform from the GLAM area for managing Linked (Open) Data.

**Wikidata**: [Q122946371](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122946371)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/researchspace

## Summary
ResearchSpace is a free, open-source semantic web platform designed for the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector to manage Linked Open Data. Developed by the British Museum, it provides a collaborative environment for cultural heritage institutions to integrate and publish structured data. The platform is released under the GNU Affero General Public License.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer:** British Museum
- **License:** GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later
- **Website:** https://researchspace.org/
- **Source Code:** https://github.com/researchspace/researchspace
- **Instance Of:** Software
- **Aliases:** RSP
- **Primary Use:** Managing Linked Open Data and Linked Data Platforms
- **Latest Stable Version:** 4.1.0 (Released May 21, 2025)
- **Previous Stable Version:** 4.0.0 (Released January 13, 2025)

## FAQs
### Q: Who creates and maintains ResearchSpace?
A: ResearchSpace is manufactured by the British Museum. It is an open-source project, with its code publicly accessible via GitHub.

### Q: What specific license does ResearchSpace use?
A: The platform is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later. This ensures the software remains free and open for public use and modification.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of ResearchSpace?
A: It is a Semantic Web platform specifically created for the GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) to manage and utilize Linked Open Data.

### Q: What is the most recent version of the software?
A: The most recent stable version is 4.1.0, which was released on May 21, 2025.

## Why It Matters
ResearchSpace represents a significant shift in how cultural heritage institutions manage and disseminate knowledge. By utilizing Semantic Web technologies, it allows museums and galleries to move beyond static collection management systems toward dynamic, interconnected knowledge graphs. This capability is critical for the GLAM sector, where data often exists in silos; ResearchSpace breaks down these barriers by employing Linked Open Data standards.

The platform's development by the British Museum lends it considerable authority and relevance in the field of cultural heritage technology. It solves the problem of data interoperability, enabling institutions to link their local collections with global data networks. This connectivity enhances research capabilities and public engagement by providing richer, contextualized information. Furthermore, its open-source nature (AGPLv3) fosters a collaborative ecosystem where institutions can share improvements, reducing the cost of proprietary software development and ensuring sustainable digital preservation practices for the future.

## Notable For
- Being a free, open-source platform initiated by the British Museum.
- Specializing in the management of Linked Open Data for the cultural heritage sector.
- Providing a Semantic Web framework specifically tailored for GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) needs.
- Using the GNU Affero General Public License, which mandates that network users can access the source code.
- Maintaining an active release cycle, with version 4.1.0 released in mid-2025.

## Body
### Software Classification
ResearchSpace is classified as software, specifically designed as a non-tangible executable component for computer systems. It functions as a platform within the broader category of Semantic Web technologies.

### Purpose and Application
The platform is explicitly designed for the GLAM area (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums). Its core technical utility is the management of Linked Open Data and functioning as a Linked Data Platform. It enables these institutions to structure their data in a way that is machine-readable and interoperable with other global datasets.

### Development and Availability
ResearchSpace is manufactured by the British Museum. It is accessible to the public and developers via its official website and its source code repository on GitHub.
- **Repository URL:** https://github.com/researchspace/researchspace
- **Website:** https://researchspace.org/ (English)

### Version History
The software has a documented history of stable releases, indicating ongoing maintenance and development:
- **Version 4.1.0:** The preferred stable version, released on May 21, 2025.
- **Version 4.0.0:** A stable version released on January 13, 2025.

### Legal Status
The software is fully copyrighted but distributed freely under an open-source license.
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted
- **License:** GNU Affero General Public License, version 3.0 or later. This license ensures that the software remains free to use, modify, and distribute, even when used over a network.

## References

1. [researchspace/LICENSE at master · researchspace/researchspace](https://github.com/researchspace/researchspace/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [Release 4.0.0. 2025](https://github.com/researchspace/researchspace/releases/tag/v4.0.0)
3. [Release 4.1.0. 2025](https://github.com/researchspace/researchspace/releases/tag/v4.1.0)