[DDI-users] Recommended use of TopcClas in DDI-C 2.1

[Wendy Thomas]

There is substantial use of topcClas for known vocabularies where specific
terms are expected. Because this maps to dc subject all/most other systems
expect to find a term here. So basically while improving your system you
are making the field less usable for other systems. Its a holiday here so
I'll look into this further tomorrow and see if there is a clear
alternative for you. If not we are reviewing Codebook for updates and I (or
you) can file this as an issue.

Wendy

On Mon, Sep 2, 2019, 01:31 Steven McEachern <steven.mceachern at anu.edu.au>
wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> We are looking to make (renewed) use of Topic Classification from DDI-C
> 2.1:
>
>
> https://ddialliance.org/Specification/DDI-Codebook/2.1/DTD/Documentation/topcClasType.html
>
> The field definition in the spec defines this as:
>
> "The "vocab" attribute is provided for specification of the controlled
> vocabulary in use, e.g., LCSH, MeSH, etc. The "vocabURI" attribute
> specifies the location for the full controlled vocabulary. Maps to Dublin
> Core Subject element. Inclusion of this element in the codebook is
> recommended."
>
> With the example(s):
>
> <topcClas vocab="LOC Subject Headings" vocabURI="
> http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/lcco.html"> Public opinion --
> California -- Statistics</topcClas>
>
> The example and the definition suggest that it is the VOCABULARY that
> should be used in this field. Our preference however is to actually use the
> PURL for the specific term here, e.g.:
> http://purl.org/au-research/vocabulary/anzsrc-for/2008/16
> The aim here is to progressively allow us to provide findability for
> datasets using a linked data approach.
>
> I'm hoping colleagues can provide feedback on:
> a) Is this consistent with the definition of topcClas? (I note
> specifically the mapping to the DC term "subject" -
> http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/subject)
> b) Is anyone using topcClas in this way?
> c) If we did so, does anyone see any problems if we were to link to the
> specific PURL rather than the vocabulary?
>
> Looking forward to your thoughts.
>
> Regards,
> Steve
>
> ----------------------------------------------
> Dr. Steven McEachern
> Director, Australian Data Archive
> Australian National University
> Ph. (+61)2 6125 2200
> E: steven.mceachern at anu.edu.au
> http://www.ada.edu.au
> ----------------------------------------------
>
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