Applying Library Science Models to the Arrangement of Language Collections
Hugh Paterson Ⅲ & Sergio I. Coronado. 2025. Applying Library Science Models to the Arrangement of Language Collections. Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Language Documentation and Conservation (ICLDC). University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. March 6th–9th. Presentation slides Copyright 2025 by the authors. Licensed: CC-SA-ND.
Hugh Paterson III
&
Sergio I. Coronado
Outline
2
Context & Relation
Problem Statement
LS Models/Examples
Benefits of Models
About Us
3
Hugh J. Paterson III
University of North Texas �& Institute for Advanced Study
University of North Texas�& Texas A&M University www.sic.bio
Sergio I. Coronado
Context
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Stemmed from
Institute of Museum & Library Services
(IMLS) Project
(partial sponsorship)
Grant no.
RE-254860-OLS-23
Allowed for �the development of the LAMlangArc Training Project
ci.unt.edu/
lamlangarctraining
Contributed to open-access course modules (presentations, readings, etc.)
How LS Models Relate to Language
The course includes preparation of future information professionals on applying library science models when working with language collections
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This project-developed course helps fill that gap using content from professional readings and existing online language archiving training programs (ELDP, AFF, CoDA).
Limited awareness and training about digital language archives in Libraries, Archives, Museums (LAM) education programs at universities in the United States.
Problem Statement
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How can existing LS models developed by LAM be applied to language documentation resources for curation in digital repositories to support discovery and use?
Library Science Models
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3 models used to support arranging cultural heritage collections
Conceptual Entity-Relationship Framework �(focuses more on resource relationships)
IFLA-LRM
Data Content �Standard �(guides the building of entity-relationships)
RDA
Entity Levels for Bibliographic Description �(supports the making of relationships)
WEMI
WEMI Model Focus
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Focusing on WEMI mainly as it serves as the foundation within the other library science models for creating groups of resources based on their relationships to each other.
WEMI Definitions and Relations
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Language Resource WEMI Example
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Two copies in different collections
Item
Individual physical/digital copy of the manifestation within a collection
Manifestation
Recorded video on film/.mov (file format)
Physical or Digital Form of Expression
Hugh’s Part
Play Video
10 mins (8:45-19:56)
Examples of Types of Works, Expressions, and Manifestations
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Reasons for designating language resource as a new type of
Expression
Work
Manifestation
WEMI Application
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Some examples of how WEMI would be applied
For two common relationship types
Part-Whole
Collection of Whole Units
Aggregate Works
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Application to Language Resources
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Some examples of how WEMI would be applied to records
For two scenarios
Legacy Audio Recording
which has been digitized
Audio Recording
with an accompanying transcript.
Language Documentation Example 1
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Transcriptions & Annotations
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Work or Expression?
Transcription
Based on WEMI-based Models
Annotation
Highly likely a New Work because of the analysis going into the transcription system. Minimally a New Expression.
New Work
Language Documentation Example 2
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Language Archives Examples
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Digitization
Physical Carrier & �Digital Surrogate
Portion
(Part-Whole)� Chapter in edited volume, video segment
Annotation
PoS Annotation
IPA Transcription
Free Translation
Applying WEMI to different types of language resources
Digitization Example—Kaipuleohone
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Portion Example—UNT Digital Library
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Annotation Example—SIL International
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Benefits
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Adoption of LS models for language resources can help improve
Discovery Services
More consistency of relationships within and across archives
Metadata Compatibility
Within library-operated repositories which often host language archives
Citation/ Referencing
More persistent identifiers for better citation capabilities
THE END
Questions/Thoughts
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References
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Burke, Mary, and Oksana L. Zavalina. 2019. “Exploration of Information Organization in Language Archives.” Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology 56 (1): 364–67. doi:10.1002/pra2.30.
Coyle, Karen. 2022. “Works, Expressions, Manifestations, Items: An Ontology.” The Code4Lib Journal 53 (May). https://journal.code4lib.org/articles/16491.
Huber, Christian. 2023. “Why It Can Be Difficult to Make Historic Language Recordings Accessible: A View from a Corpus of Historic Dialect Recordings.” In Proceedings of the International Workshop on Digital Language Archives: LangArc-2023, edited by Oksana L. Zavalina and Shobhana Lakshmi Chelliah, 15–18. Denton, Texas: University of North Texas. doi:10.12794/langarc2114302.
Riva, Pat, Patrick Le Bœuf, and Maja Žumer, eds. 2017. IFLA Library Reference Model: A Conceptual Model for Bibliographic Information. December 2017. Den Haag, Netherlands: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11412.