About the GND
Linked data is the key, when institutions like to ensure safely the retrieval of their cultural data. In this context, the GND authority data offer central reference points and search entries with which to link information on cultural and research data. However, the GND is much more than just an authority file. The GND is based on standards for the recording of information on fundamental entities in the spheres of culture and the humanities. Above all, it provides definitive descriptions for people, works, places, topics and corporate bodies. These interdisciplinary standards are summarized in rules and relate to a data model. Together with some additional parameters, they form the eligibility criteria for the inclusion of data in the GND. These criteria are developed by everyone actively collaborating on the GND. This is the GND cooperative as administrator of the GND, together with their affiliate institutions and in collaboration with the working groups of the Standardization Committee in general and the GND Committee in particular. Together they form the Governance structure (LINK), the GND.network. The filed of governance is complemented by a comprehensive technical infrastructure that facilitates data entry, quality control and the exchange of data, and includes a platform for the documentation of regulations. The final result is a service whose benefits are being enjoyed by an ever-growing number of institutions. GND stands for “Gemeinsame Normdatei”, or Integrated Authority File. Originally, the word “Gemeinsam” (“integrated”, but also “together”, “collaboratively”, etc.) related to the merger of previously separate authority files. Today, GND stands for collaborative working, collectively setting standards and for the communal preservation of the GND. GND therefore represents the vision of promoting the commons of knowledge with the aid of freely usable authority data.
Modification date: Sep 20, 2023
