Recommended Practices
NISO Recommended Practices are "best practices" or "guidelines" for methods, materials, or practices in order to give guidance to the user. These documents usually represent a leading edge, exceptional model, or proven industry practice. All elements of Recommended Practices are discretionary and may be used as stated or modified by the user to meet specific needs.
Framework of Guidance for Building Good Digital Collections
Abstract: Provides an overview of some of the major components
and activities involved in the creation of good digital collections and provides
a framework for identifying, organizing, and applying existing knowledge and
resources to support the development of sound local practices for creating
and managing good digital collections. It is intended for two audiences: cultural
heritage organizations planning projects to create digital collections, and
funding organizations that want to encourage the development of good digital
collections.
3rd edition 2007
NISO RP-2005-01, Ranking of Authentication and Access Methods Available to the Metasearch Environment
Abstract: This report provides an evaluation and ranking of existing authentication methods, as they could be used in a metasearch environment, and recommends metasearch-related authentication best practices in today’s environment.
NISO RP-2005-02, Search and Retrieval Results Set Metadata
Abstract: Defines a core set of metadata elements that provide information about a result set at both the aggregate level and the individual record to provide better quality of information returned and ensure more standardized presentation of results to the end user. These data elements are intended to be used by content providers to provide better quality of information returned through a variety of methods. They may also used to ensure that the needs of metasearch products are met by a given protocol.
NISO RP-2005-03, Search and Retrieval Citation Level Data Elements
Abstract: A minimum set of required citation level data elements has been identified to overcome the current lack of standardization in the way a citation is formatted in a record returned by a metasearch engine. Use of these data elements will allow citation information to be parsed for re-use in applications such as OpenURL linking and metadata formats such as Dublin Core.
NISO RP-2006-01, Best Practices for Designing Web Services in the Library Context
Abstract: Outlines the actual and potential uses of web services in a library context and recommends a set of best practices in support of interoperable digital library services. Included in this document is a discussion of the document service interface, looking at four model types. Best practices are explained in the areas of HTTP caching, filtering of user input, reuse of output formats, security, and throttling. Typical output formats used in web services–DTD, XML schema, RDF, Relax NG, and DSD–are described. An appendix provides an overview, for those new to web services, of the typical types of services used in a library context: discover, locate, request, deliver, and common services. The appendix also includes a brief introduction to interoperability issues.
NISO RP-2006-02, NISO Metasearch XML Gateway Implementers Guide
Abstract: This document describes the NISO Metasearch XML Gateway (MXG) protocol, which is based on the NISO-registered SRU protocol. This gateway provides a mechanism for information service providers to expose their content and services to a Metasearch engine. While the task group recognized that the longer term goal is some type of standardized query protocol based on SRU/SRW, an XML gateway provides an immediate, low entry barrier method for content providers to interact with metasearch services.
NISO RP-6-2008, RFID in U.S. Libraries
Abstract: Provides recommendations for implementing RFID in U.S. libraries in a manner that will promote interoperability so that libraries can invest in RFID with confidence that they will be able to read tags on items from many other libraries, and so that they will have choices in purchasing RFID equipment and tags in the future. Includes a recommended Data Model and discussions of security, tag migration, the book supply chain, privacy, and vandalism.
NISO RP-7-2008, SERU: A Shared Electronic Resource Understanding
Abstract: SERU offers publishers and libraries the opportunity to save both the time and the costs associated with a negotiated and signed license agreement for electronic resources by agreeing to operate within a framework of shared understanding and good faith. The statements included in this report provide a set of common understandings for publishers and libraries to reference as an alternative to a formal license when conducting business.