Cindy Hepfer, ALA Voting representative to NISO has forwarded us information on ISO/CD 27730, International Standard Collection Identifier (ISCI), now up for vote by ISO.
The scope note in the new standard reads as follows:
“The purpose of this International Standard is to establish the specifications for the International Standard Collection Identifier (ISCI) as a unique international identification system for each collection and fond and part(s) of collections and fonds. It specifies the structure of an identifier, and promotes the use of the identifier with regard to pre-existing systems.
Any issues related to the description of collections and fonds in general–such as defining a collection or fond, or describing relations between collections and subcollections–are dealt with in NISO standard Z39.91-200X (Collection description specification) and related documents. Each identified collection or fond must however be described as defined in clause 5. Recommended metadata elements are listed in annex B. The ISCI is intended for use by information related organisations such as libraries, museums and archives.”
Cindy reminds us that ALA is not voting on the standard itself but rather is providing feedback to NISO as to whether to approve or disapprove the standard. NISO will consider ALA’s feedback prior to submitting the U.S. vote. As is generally the case, Cindy can provide review copies of the standard to ALA members. To obtain a review copy, apply directly to Cindy at HSLcindy@buffalo.edu (I’d appreciate it if you would copy me at metadata.maven@gmail.com on your request so I can track responses to these announcements).
The deadline for input to Cindy is no later than: Monday, Dec. 22, 2008.
Diane I. Hillmann
LITA Standards Coordinator