Review of "Methodology Type" vocabulary

[PatricaCabrera]

Background

The metadata field Methodology Type (dc.description.methodologyType) exists in both IOC-OBPS and EC-OBPSS.

However, the two repositories currently use different controlled vocabularies, and neither list appears to adequately describe the diversity of methodologies represented in the repository.

Current situation

IOC-OBPS uses the Methodology Type list defined by an old JCOMM List, not publicly available:

• Controlled vocabulary development
• Data acquisition
• Data aggregation
• Data analysis
• Data archival/stewardship/curation
• Data citation
• Data compression
• Data delivery
• Data exchange
• Data format development
• Data management planning and strategy development
• Data mining
• Data policy development
• Data processing
• Data quality control
• Data quality management
• Data search and retrieval
• Data transformation/conversion
• Data transmission/networking
• Data visualization
• Metadata management
• Ontology development

EC-OBPSS uses:

• NA
• Data acquisition
• Data archiving
• Data dissemination
• Data flow to aggregators
• Data format description
• Data processing
• Data publication
• Data transfer
• Metadata description
• Quality assurance
• Quality control

Discussion

Before aligning the repositories, we need to determine whether:

• the current OBPS list should be retained and improved,
• the EC-OBPSS list should be adopted,
• or a new harmonized vocabulary should be developed.

Questions for the community

• Are either of the existing lists sufficient?
• Are there existing community standards that should be considered?