Updating the ISO 25964: A core metadata standard

The ISO 25964-1 Thesauri and interoperability with other vocabularies—Part 1: Thesauri for information retrieval, creation, management, and use standard is undergoing a significant revision from the 2011 edition. The use cases for thesauri (or taxonomies) have expanded, considerably driving the revision. Thesauri are no longer solely used in learned publishing and libraries. This paper provides a brief history and discusses the new needs, the use cases, and then the actual changes to the standard. The data model is updated to include support for web navigation, chat boxes, online shopping, knowledge graphs/maps, artificial intelligence, among other use cases. Content is now digitized or born digital, and its distribution is virtual. Thesauri have always supported search and indexing/tagging of content. They are now the preferred alternative to traditional subject headings. This paper outlines the revision process and provides an overview of the specific revisions and additions. For example, the inclusion of Global Uniform Identifiers (GUIDs), list of connected standards, expanded examples in many non-Latin languages, guideline references for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), addition of concept and concept term, substantial updates to the Annexes, references, and much more. The revision was made available for comment and Vote July 30, 2024.