UKOLN is supported by: QA for Collection-Level Description Ann Chapman and Bridget Robinson Collection Description Focus A centre of expertise in digital information management

Where are we ……. Morning session focused on: –What is a collection? –Need for collection level descriptions –Format to hold collection level data This session focuses on: –Ensuring quality of data –Ensuring quality of application

Why collection description? Interest in collections as well as items –From collections to items –From items to collections Using resources of varying types Using resources across sectors Using resources across domains

Collection description data Using a format –RSLP schema ‘de facto’ standard Consistent data collected –Users can predict information held –Machine-to-machine exchange Support searching –Consistent terms used

QA and Format RSLP schema Variation –Added elements –Unused elements –Modified elements Label changes Sub-divided elements

QA and terminology Choice of sets of terms –User type (research, study, interest) –User age group (children, teens, adults) –Focus of collection description database Subject Objects Time or Place –Format or resource types

QA and editorial control Can anyone create records? Should records be assessed/edited? –Who assesses/edits? Guidelines for record creation –Text –Use of chosen term sets –Data for specific elements

QA to support the user Users may have physical and / or sensory impairment –Speech synthesisers read out labels as well as data in fields –Consistent order of data will help User Eligibility, Charges, Restrictions English may not be first language of user

QA planning QA relates to: –Data –Software Build QA into early planning Document decisions Train record creators Create guideline documents

Standards in language and terminology Use of a standard terminology set e.g. LCSH Use of authority control files –Geographic names –Organisation/personal names Use of ISO630 language codes

Standards in free-text fields Clear documentation/guidelines on –Consistent wording e.g. collection strength –Use of neutral language –Length of free-text fields –Ordering of information

Accessibility Special Educational Needs & Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 Audience Language Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) vischeck tool -