One of aspects of XML, that had great appeal when I initially learned it, is that data elements themselves can have attributes. This allows us to "have our cake and eat it too" when it comes to issues of transcription and controlled access. The data could be tagged in its transcribed form with an attribute using the controlled form, or alternatively, could be tagged in its controlled form with an attribute of its transcribed form. Presumably the controlled forms can then be used by the machine for indexing and access, while the transcribed forms can be rendered for display. I have a vague suspicion that the controlled/URI form should be the attribute, but my experience with XML (to say nothing of the realms Karen works in) is sufficiently limited that I'm not entirely certain -- I'm having a vague glimmer that there are issues surrounding tag-embedded attributes. For example (and probably not using the best XML mark up, but hopefully serviceable): <place_of_publication controlled="U.S.A., New York (State), New York">New-York</place_of_publication> Or alternatively, <place_of_publication transcribed="New-York"> <publication_country>U.S.A.</publication_country> <publication_state>New York (State)</publication_state> <publication_city>New York</publication_city> </place_of_publication> Better yet, swap in some URIs: <place_of_publication URI="[URI for N.Y., N.Y.]">New-York</place_of_publication> or <place_of_publication transcribed="New-York">[URI for N.Y., N.Y.]</place_of_publication>
John F. Myers, Catalog Librarian Schaffer Library, Union College 807 Union St. Schenectady NY 12308 518-388-6623 mye...@union.edu -----Original Message----- From: Karen Coyle I assume we do need to figure out how to distinguish between transcribed and not-transcribed, at least in some cases. I'm not sure if it always requires a different element, although I suspect you are right.
