Integration of classifications and terminologies in Metadata registries based on ISO/IEC 11179.

Empirical medical research needs services for the maintenance of item collections. We evaluated the appropriateness of ISO/IEC 11179 "Information technology - Metadata Registries (MDR)" part 3 "Registry Metamodel and basic attributes" for a national MDR. In particular, possibilities of including classifications and terminologies (summarized as vocabularies) using the metamodel of this standard were assessed. The hierarchical structure of classifications and terminologies could be mapped easily to ISO's metamodel. The Classification Markup Language (ClaML) is attractive as interface standard for the import of classifications into the MDR. The correct linkage between data elements and vocabularies remained unclear however. An extension of the ISO 11179 metamodel might be necessary to satisfy the predefined needs of a national MDR.