Dublin Core's DCMIType ‘PhysicalObject’ and its use across the Open Language Archives Community
Abstract
This study explores the composition of linguistic and anthropological language-focused artifact records which use the DCMIType term ‘PhysicalObject’. However, the results are broadly applicable to all users of Dublin Core. Dublin Core’s DCMIType vocabulary is an important access point for resource discovery. It allows access to resources based on experiential modality types, e.g., Moving Image, Sound, Text, Still Image, Software, etc. Previous research reporting on DCMIType ‘PhysicalObject’ suggests that it is challenging for information professionals to apply consistently. This study affirms that the semantics of ‘PhysicalObject’ can be confusing with regard to non-digital resources. Further, the term’s DC provided definition is limiting due to its applicability only to inanimate objects. Over four hundred and fifty thousand records representing sixty-one data providers from the Open Language Archives Community (OLAC) were analyzed. Across the range of OLAC providers, currently only sixteen records use the DCMIType term ‘PhysicalObject’.
Untapped potential exists for the use of ‘PhysicalObject’ by language-scholars to describe their scholarly work. There are opportunities for greater technical descriptions of language documentation collections. Cultural heritage stewards could integrate records of physical objects with existing OLAC records. A richer understanding of the applicability of ‘PhysicalObject’ within repository records can lead to a more diverse participation in cultural heritage aggregators. In the case of the OLAC aggregator, richer records benefit ethnolinguistic minorities who are seeking artifacts and information pertinent to their cultural heritage.
Citable as
Paterson III, Hugh J. (2024) “Dublin Core’s DCMIType ‘PhysicalObject’ and its use across the Open Language Archives Community” In the Proceedings of the 17th Annual Society of American Archivists Research Forum. 21 July, 2023.
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Hugh Paterson III
Collaborative Scholar
I specialize in bespoke research at the intersection of Linguistics, Law, Languages, and Technology; specifically utility and life-cycle management for information products in these spaces.