The Canadian Heritage Information Network's Data Dictionaries for
the Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Archaeological Sites have proven to be
valuable reference tools for the management of museum and gallery collections
and archaeological sites. The Data Dictionaries may be used to
structure computerized collections management systems, regardless of the system
software. They promote consistent recording by encouraging standards in
database field structure and data format, which are necessary for the exchange
of heritage information. Data fields are grouped into logical relationships, or
entities. Terminology standards, such as short authority lists approved by CHIN
members, are included. Extensive standards on specific fields are also
published by CHIN.
An introduction explains the framework of the Data Dictionary. The
body of the Data Dictionary lists the data fields; you may select data
fields to structure a database to manage collections of various disciplines.
Each Data Dictionary entry includes entry rules, cataloguers' rules,
data types, and examples. Fields included in CHIN's National Inventories are
identified and defined. The French language equivalent for each field is given
in an appendix. Data Dictionaries are available, in English and/or
French, as print, diskette, or on-line. The diskette format allows a user to
customize the Data Dictionary for his or her own institution by deleting
and/or rearranging fields as desired. In the diskette format, there is one
field per page to allow for easy manipulation of the text.
The Humanities Data Dictionary consists of 613 fields for
collections in history, ethnology, archaeological specimens, and fine and
decorative arts. The fields are grouped under entities, such as description,
title, artist/maker, dating, registration, source, storage location, condition,
loan, and exhibit.
The Data Dictionary is copyright to CHIN. Commercial use is subject to
special licensing agreements. Contact CHIN for more details.
