TS ISO 2146

TS ISO 2146 defines a common framework for registry services used by libraries and related organizations in networked environments. Its central concern is the structured recording, exchange and reuse of information about collections, parties, activities and services so that different systems can support information and documentation work consistently. In technical terms, it is about the registry layer that underpins service discovery and coordination, rather than about cataloguing rules or a specific delivery platform itself.

How the registry model is used

The standard presents a data element directory that can be used to collect appropriate data, share it with other registry services and access it through standard protocols when needed inside automated business workflows. As general technical context, this is the kind of framework that helps separate the description of a resource, organization or service from the application that consumes that description. It also supports publishing registries in electronic or print form and archiving registry data when it exists only electronically, which is important for continuity and reuse over time.

Application areas covered by the standard

• Collection management systems and digital repositories
• Discovery services, including catalogues and indexes, federated metadata repositories and metasearch portals
• Delivery services, including persistent identifier management and resolution, access management and interlending services
• Reference services, including reference management systems and virtual reference services
• Registry services of all types needed to support the applications above