Information and documentation. International standard identifier for libraries and related organizations (ISIL)

BS ISO 15511:2009 Information and documentation. International standard identifier for libraries and related organizations (ISIL)

BS ISO 15511 is the standard that specifies the International Standard identifier for libraries and related organizations (ISIL) which comprises a set of standard identifiers used for the unique identification of libraries, archives, museums and related organizations with a minimum impact on already existing systems.

An ISIL identifies an organization, i.e. a library, an archive, a museum or a related organization, or one of its subordinate units, which is responsible for an action or service in an informational environment (e.g. creation of machine-readable information). It can be used to identify the originator or holder of a resource (e.g. library material or collection in an archive). The ISIL is intended for use by libraries, archives, museums and agencies doing business or interacting with these organizations (e.g. suppliers, publishers, and government institutions).

An ISIL identifies an organization or one of its subordinate units, throughout its life. In some cases, such as when an organization has undergone a significant administrative change (e.g. a merger with another organization), particularly one that results in a name change, a new ISIL identifier can be allocated. Since BS ISO 15511 allows the use of existing codes to be incorporated into the ISIL, it is possible that a given organization can have more than one ISIL, however, the intent of BS ISO 15511 is to minimize the number of codes.

Any library, archive, museum or related organization, administrative unit or subordinate unit, acting autonomously, can be allocated an ISIL.

An ISIL is not intended to be used to classify organizations or their services and holdings.

Communication and resource sharing among libraries and related organizations, including archives, museums, government agencies, educational institutions and businesses, have dramatically increased. This new collaboration has created a need for a structured, standard identifier for organizations, especially libraries.

Due largely to the implementation of ISO 2709, which specifies the format for information exchange, millions of bibliographic records are now available to users all over the world through the Internet, in virtual union catalogues and through other cooperative information systems. Holdings data linked to bibliographic records provide direct access to records and documents and to the services supplied by libraries and related organizations and agencies. A standardized identifier for the originating or holding source will effectively facilitate access to this information.

Organizational identifiers are widely used in many countries. BS ISO 15511 utilizes a flexible structure that can accommodate existing identifiers and be used to create new identifiers. This common framework will enable organizations in the same sector and organizations in parallel sectors to collaborate.