In 1986, the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) became an international standard for the format of text and documents. SGML separates content, format, and structure. It maintains the integrity of document content and structure, accomplishing this through Document Type Definitions (DTDs).
In 1995, the Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) was established to develop a DTD for an international codebook standard, describing datasets of interest to researchers in the Social Sciences. The DDI Committee includes representatives from a variety of different groups, all of whom are involved in the social science research enterprise. Broad consultation with other interested parties has also taken place concerning the content and scope of the emerging DTD.
In 1997, the DTD was brought into compliance with XML (Extensible Markup Language). XML is being developed to enable delivery of SGML information over the Web while overcoming the limitations of HTML, the Hypertext Mark‐up Language.
This Web site presents the proposed XML DTD. The main links on the home page are listed below. Also included are descriptions of the pages associated with those links:
- 1.
Introduction presents background information on the DDI.
- 2.
Proposed Structure of the DTD presents the codebook DTD in diagrammatic form.
- 3.
Codebook Document Type Definition (DTD), Version 1.8 presents the standalone XML version of the codebook DTD, as of September 15, 1998.
- 4.
DDI Committee Members lists the names and affiliations of the 20 members of the Committee.
- 5.
Related DDI and XML Resources presents a list of links to Internet sites dealing with the DDI, XML, and SGML standards and related software tools.
The Web site is very simply laid out and easily navigated. Its purpose is very focussed and so it contains few pages. The information is current. All the pages, apart from those presenting DTD‐related information, carry the name of the author of the page, an e‐mail link for feedback, a complete URL, and date of last update. The page listing related resources is excellent and very helpful for those wishing to learn more about SGML and XML.
For those engaged in social science research who are interested in learning about the Data Documentation Initiative and its work this site is highly recommended.
