[Purpose/significance]This paper aims to explore the method of using semantic web to build confederation of institutional repository which is different from the traditional way. [Method/process] It publishes the institutional repository content as linked data firstly, and uses the method of the semantic web to build confederation of institutional repository. [Result/conclusion] The confederation of institutional repository based on linked data can realize the basic functions such as browsing and retrieving. At the same time, the confederation can realize knowledge service function by extending semantic content and semantic reasoning. Building confederation of institutional repository based on linked data is a specific practice of semantic web, the confederation can provide more and better functional services than the traditional confederation, and the construction cost is low.