PBCore: Overview
Open Source Meeting
February 2, 2009
Dave MacCarn

What is PBCore?
• ...a metadata dictionary, used to describe many
different types of media items;
• ...useful for locating, sharing and exchanging
media items;
• ...available for free to anyone, not just public
broadcasters.
2

Who created PBCore?
• Unprecedented collaboration between public
television and radio united a working group of 30
representatives of local and national organizations,
from a wide cross-section of disciplines and roles.
• Advisors included academic and metadata experts.
• Before its launch, PBCore had wide industry review
and key test implementations.
3

What is the PBCore Structure?
• PBCore v1.1 (http://www.pbcore.org; click on “User
Guide” button) was published January 24, 2007
– Version 1.1 of PBCore maintains 53 elements arranged in
15 containers and 3 sub-containers, all organized under 4
content classes.
• PBCore v1.2 was published November 14, 2008
– Version 1.2 of PBCore maintains 61 elements arranged in
15 containers and 4 sub-containers, all organized under 4
content classes.
4

PBCore Examples?
• PBCore is made up of 61 elements, each describing
a different aspect of a media item.
• Three sample PBCore elements are:
1. title: the media item’s name;
2. creator: the person or organization
responsible for creating the media item;
3. publisher: the person or organization
responsible for distributing the media item.
5

PBCore Structure
• Content Classes (Grouping of Data)
– Intellectual Content
• Title, Description, Genre...
– Intellectual Property
• Creator, Publisher, Rights...
– Instantiation
• Date Created, Format, Language…
– Extensions

PBCore Structure
• Containers
– Needed to define XML structure.

PBCore Structure
• Elements
– The Real Data.
• Title, Description, Genre, Creator, Publisher, Rights,
Date Created, Format, Language…

Intellectual
Content

Intellectual Property

Instantiation

Instantiation

PBCore Structure
• PBCore often uses a controlled vocabulary to
describe a media item.
• Controlling the terms used, and how they are
presented, not only ensures consistent description of
media items, it also improves the chances of a
successful search.
13

PBCore Structure
• A picklist, or drop-down
menu, is an example of a
controlled vocabulary. Here
is a picklist for the PBCore
element 05.01, genre.
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PBCore Structure
• PBCore also uses a structured syntax.
• A structured syntax follows specific rules of
punctuation, grammar or data entry in order to
provide unambiguous descriptions.
• For example...
• creator (element 15.01): last name, first name middle
name (Welles, George Orson)
• title (element 02.01): Citizen Kane
• dateCreated (element 25.02): YYYY-MM-DD (1941-
05-01)
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What does it mean to be
PBCore compliant?
• If you’re using PBCore to tag media items that you
intend to share with the outside world, you must
follow the dictionary rules and element obligations.
• If you’re using PBCore for internal purposes only
and don’t plan to share your resources with the
outside world, you can apply the dictionary rules as
you see fit.

Facility
Local Broadcast Playout , Traffic & Logs
Scheduling
(NGIS, PODS, BroadView, ProTrack, Scout)
National Program Graphics Library
Distribution Tracking
Program Guides
Archiving
& Newsletters
PBCore
Listing
XML VOD
Services
(XSD framework) Production
Internet Services
Post-Production
& Distribution Options
Development, Under- Digital Asset
writing, Fundraising Management
& Sponsorship
Rights & Stock Footage
Usage Management
Education Connections
Programming

What is the PBCore XML XSD?
• PBCore’s XSD defines the framework of the PBCore elements
and their inter-relationships and interdependencies.
• Download the PBCore XSD at
http://www.pbcore.org/PBCore/PBCoreXMLSchema.html

PBCore v1.2
So what's different?

What's Next?
• PBCore additions
– to handle collections
– Vocabulary
– Radio specific extensions
– Soliciting suggestions
• CPB RFP American Archive Pilot
– Includes some support for PBCore additions and
web site

The PBCore Web Site
• Your one-stop shop for all things PBCore:
http://www.pbcore.org
– user guide
– list of elements in various representations
• full documentation, quick index, alphabetical, cheat
sheet, etc.
– listserv sign-up
– training materials
– many other resources (metadata primer, XML
schema info, etc.)