Abstract
For many in the library field, linked open data (LOD) is both a common and an enigmatic phrase. Linked data has been the topic of many articles, books, conference presentations, and workshops in recent years. The topic, however, is one that many are still working to understand. This article is a brief primer and survey of the current LOD landscape for those who are either new to LOD or wish to reacquaint themselves with LOD. The article will start with a basic introduction to LOD, including some of the standards and formats involved. The second half will describe some of the major LOD projects and efforts in various fields, including libraries, archives, and museums, and provide links to selected resources for those who want to learn more.