idcat1

Idcat1 is a term in metadata and data cataloging used to designate a specific category of identifiers within a cataloging framework. It is not tied to a single standard; rather, its precise meaning is defined by the implementing organization’s schema.

Purpose and usage: The idcat1 category helps systems classify identifiers for discovery, reconciliation, and interoperability. By isolating a common identifier type under a shared category, catalogs can apply uniform rules for validation, mapping, and persistence.

Structure and interpretation: In practice, idcat1 is implemented as a controlled vocabulary value or a code within a metadata field. The exact semantics depend on the schema; one organization might treat idcat1 as a label for internal, persistent IDs, while another may use it to tag temporary identifiers. Cross-system interoperability requires documentation of the meaning of idcat1 within each schema.

Governance and examples: Changes to the idcat1 category are typically governed through the catalog’s change management process, with versioned documentation for developers and data stewards. As an example, a repository could assign idcat1 to items that rely on internally managed identifiers rather than external ids. However, because idcat1 is not universally standardized, its interpretation should be verified in each system.

See also: Identifier, Metadata, Data catalog, Taxonomy.