7. Reference citations

Non-standard features of taxonomic source references

Bibliographical data form the second centerpiece of the IOPI model. A well structured, highly atomized structure is needed to provide for the different necessities of scientists and users. All information about plants, plant names, status assignment, classification, etc. in the model is tied directly or indirectly to its source by means of reference citations.

Library systems and programs managing scientific literature citations abound, much of the structural elements found in the model are also found in these programs. However, in the context of a taxonomic data model, several special requirements have to be met:

Program developers should take care to provide tools or routines for the import of data form standard library formats, from widely distributed citation managing programs and from available reference libraries.


Diagram 15: Data structure of reference citations

(Note: Some attributes, such as further details of periodicals and precise citations, have been omitted in this diagram. Please refer to the list of entities and attributes provided in chapter 11.)


Entity Relation model of reference citations


Diagram 16: Entity-Relation model of reference citations


To illustrate the central role of reference citations in the model, Diagram 17 provides a view detailing the context in which reference citations are used.


Diagram 17: Context model of references



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