Authority File (Flat Vocabulary)
| Flat VocabulariesA managed list of acceptable metadata terms that associates acceptable values with particular metadata elements. Flat vocabularies include authority files, glossaries, dictionaries, code lists, and gazetteers. Related Guide | Multi -Level Vocabularies | Relational VocabulariesManaged list of acceptable terms that makes use of relationships between metadata terms. Relational vocabularies include thesauri, semantic networks and ontologies. 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 that consists of a list of labels and 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 that establishes the acceptable values that can be inserted into a particular parameterIndividual instance of a metadata label and value pair. For example, "creator: John Doe" is a metadata element. Related Guide.
Discussion
An authority file establishes the acceptable values that can be inserted into a particular parameter. No explanation or augmenting information is given. To implement an authority file, project managers must have a clear understanding of both the 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 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.