Editing the MODS and MADS data

The data in both the MODS and MADS repositories can be edited as needed and currently there is no dedicated workflow in terms of reviewing or editing the data. The files can also be deleted.

While small changes can be made without the need to create a Github issue, any change to a MODS record that will result in the redirecting of previously published CTS URNs or other major changes in the CITE Collection Tables should be logged as a Github issue for tracking until resolution. What's a CITE Collection Table you ask? Go here for an explanation.

Github issues have been used to track a variety of things including: requests for new Epidoc editions, the need to remove duplicate versions of authority records or edition records, incorrect work identifiers, catalog display issues, and significant typos in records.

If only a small change needs to be made, the basic process is simple, open the relevant MODS or MADS file in Github, make sure you are on the master branch, click on the pencil icon to make an edit, make any necessary changes, click on “Commit Changes” at the bottom and make sure to provide at least a basic explanation of the change that has been made. If significant changes need to be made, it may be necessary to download or open a copy of the file in Oxygen to make sure the file is valid after your changes are made.

Common Reasons for Editing MODS or MADS records

• New online editions have been found and new URLs need to be added into a record.
• A broken link to an online edition requires fixing or deleting.
• Typos have been found in a record (misspelled editor name, work title, etc.)
• Additional bibliographic information needs to be added such as missing series information.
• New name variants need to be added into an authority record.
• Additional URLs need to be added into a authority record (addition of VIAF, Wikipedia links, etc.)

Common Reasons for Deleting MODS/MADS Records

• Incorrect work identifier assigned to a work, requires deletion of record, creation of new record with correct work identifier in catalog_pending, redirection of published CTS URNs.
• Duplicate version created by the original automatic catalog ingest process or failure to check for edition before cataloging requires deletion.
• Incorrect or duplicate authority record discovered.