Integrating semi-structured information using semantic technologies: An evaluation of tools and a case study on university rankings data

Information integration is not a trivial activity. Information managers face problems like: heterogeneity (in data, schemas, syntax and platforms), distribution and duplicity. In this paper we: 1) analyze ontology-based methodologies that provide mediation frameworks for integrating and reconciling information from structured data sources, and 2) propose the use of available semantic technologies for replicating such functionality. Our aim is providing an agile method for integrating and reconciling information from semistructured data (spreadsheets) and determining to which extent available semantic technologies minimize the need of ontological expertise for information integration. We present our findings and lessons learned from a case study on university rankings data.