Authority File (Flat Vocabulary)
Definition, description of authority files
| Flat VocabulariesA managed list of acceptable metadataData about data. Metadata provides a context for research findings, ideally in a machine-readable format. It enables discovery of data via an electronic interface, and correct use and attribution of findings. Related Guide terms that associates acceptable valuesMetadata values are the content connected to metadata labels in a metadata element. For example, if the metadata label is "date", the metadata value could be "May 13, 2007". Related Guide with particular metadata elementsIndividual instance of a metadata label and value pair. For example, "creator: John Doe" is a metadata element. Related Guide. Flat vocabularies include authority files, glossariesA type of flat controlled vocabulary containing a list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge with the definitions for those terms. Related Guide, dictionariesIn the context of metadata, a dictionary is a type of controlled flat vocabulary, which provides a list of metadata terms, definitions and additional information within a specific domain. Related Guide, code listsA type of flat controlled vocabulary consisting of a set of codes and their meanings, in use in a specific project. Related Guide, and gazetteersIn the context of metadata, a gazetteer is a very specific type of flat controlled vocabulary - a geographic term list. Related Guide. Related Guide | Multi -Level Vocabularies | Relational VocabulariesManaged list of acceptable terms that makes use of relationshipsConnections between metadata terms within a vocabulary. These relationships can connect terms by scope, provenance, or other well-defined criteria. between metadata terms. Relational vocabularies include thesauriA type of relational controlled vocabulary which provides a list of terms, with specific relationships between the terms. Related Guide, semantic networks and ontologiesA type of relational controlled vocabulary, which provides for categories, relationships, rules and axioms among metadata elements. Typically a hierarchy of classes and terms, an ontology is a machine-readable way of relating metadata terminology. Related Guide. Related Guide | |||||||
| Authority File | Glossary | Dictionary | Gazetteer | Code List | Taxonomy | Subject Heading | Thesaurus | Semantic Network | Ontology |
Definition of Authority File
A type of flat controlled vocabularyA managed list of terms. In the context of vocabularies, management typically includes careful selection of terms, maintenance of terms over time (i.e. addition, deprecation, modification), and presentation of the vocabulary in an accessible format. Related Guide consisting of a list of labels and values that establish the acceptable values that can be inserted into a particular parameter.
Discussion
No explanation or augmenting information is given about the acceptable values. To implement an authority file, project managers must have a clear understanding of both the metadata parameter and the domain in which the authority file is applicable.
Example - Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI)
<xs:simpleType name="DCMIType">
<xs:union></xs:simpleType>
<xs:simpleType></xs:union>
<xs:restriction base="xs:Name"></xs:simpleType>
<xs:enumeration value="Collection"/></xs:restriction>
<xs:enumeration value="Dataset"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Event"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Image"/>
<xs:enumeration value="InteractiveResource"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Service"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Software"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Sound"/>
<xs:enumeration value="Text"/>
<xs:enumeration value="PhysicalObject"/>
Notice, to implement this appropriately, you would need to know that DCMI stands for Dublin Core Metadata Initiative, and Type is one of the 15 required metadata parameters. Dublin Core can be widely implemented, as it contains very broad parameters and values. This particular Authority File is presented in XMLeXtensible Markup Language format. It was distributed in this format via the web by the managing body.