Normdatei

Normdatei, in German often referred to as Gemeinsame Normdatei (GND), is a centralized authority file used by libraries and information services in the German-speaking world. It provides standardized names and topics for persons, corporate bodies, conferences, and subjects, assigning stable identifiers to enable consistent cataloging and reliable retrieval across library systems.

The primary purpose of the Normdatei is to unify disparate authority data and improve search precision. Each entry records preferred forms of names, variant spellings, dates, and relationships (for example, former names or organizational affiliations). By linking records, it supports accurate disambiguation of individuals and entities and facilitates cross-catalog and cross-institutional data exchange.

Historically, the GND was created and maintained by the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (DNB) on behalf of a consortium of libraries and information institutions. It evolved from numerous local and national authority files into a single, interoperable resource. The maintenance involves ongoing cooperation among German libraries and related organizations to extend coverage, refine relationships, and incorporate new names and topics.

Data formats and access are designed for interoperability. GND records are available in multiple formats, including MARC 21 Authority Data and RDF/SKOS for Linked Data applications. Each entry carries a unique GND Identifier (an internal numeric code) that can be used to link to external datasets. The Normdatei also provides cross-references to other authority files and identifiers such as VIAF, ISNI, and ORCID, supporting wider data integration.

Impact and use: The Normdatei is a core component of bibliographic infrastructure in German-speaking libraries. It underpins consistent cataloging, improves discovery, and enables linked-data exchanges that connect local catalogs with national and international data networks.