# RBMS Controlled Vocabularies: Controlled Vocabularies for Use in Rare Book and Special Collections Cataloging

> thesauri for retrieving special collections materials by form, genre, or by various physical characteristics, and for relating materials to individuals or corporate bodies

**Wikidata**: [Q106501879](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106501879)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rbms-controlled-vocabularies-controlled-vocabularies-for-use-in-rare-book-and-special-collections-cataloging

## Summary
The RBMS Controlled Vocabularies are a set of thesauri designed for use in rare book and special collections cataloging. They provide standardized terminology for retrieving materials based on form, genre, physical characteristics, and relationships to individuals or corporate bodies. These resources are maintained by the Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section.

## Key Facts
- **Title:** RBMS Controlled Vocabularies
- **Subtitle:** Controlled Vocabularies for Use in Rare Book and Special Collections Cataloging
- **Creator:** Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section
- **Nature:** Instance of a controlled vocabulary and a website.
- **Primary Function:** Provides thesauri for retrieving special collections materials by form, genre, physical characteristics, and associating them with creators.
- **Language:** English
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Website:** https://rbms.info/vocabularies/index.shtml
- **Authority Control:** Described by the Library of Congress Linked Data Service.
- **Inception:** The website presence dates to 1990.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the RBMS Controlled Vocabularies?
A: The vocabularies serve as thesauri for cataloging and retrieving special collections materials. They allow catalogers to describe items by specific form, genre, and physical characteristics, as well as relating them to individuals or corporate bodies.

### Q: Who creates and maintains these vocabularies?
A: The vocabularies are developed and maintained by the Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section.

### Q: Where can these vocabularies be accessed?
A: They are available online at the official website located at https://rbms.info/vocabularies/index.shtml.

## Why It Matters
The RBMS Controlled Vocabularies are essential tools for the standardization of metadata in the field of rare book and special collections cataloging. By providing a strict, controlled set of terms for genres, forms, and physical attributes, these vocabularies solve the problem of inconsistent description that often plagues unique or archival materials. This standardization ensures that researchers can reliably search for and discover specific types of materials—such as a specific binding style or literary genre—across different institutions and catalogs. Furthermore, their integration with the Library of Congress Linked Data Service highlights their role in the broader landscape of bibliographic data, facilitating better data exchange and interoperability in the semantic web era.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Focus:** Specifically tailored for rare books and special collections, distinguishing them from general library subject headings.
- **Physical Description:** Offers unique terminology for describing physical characteristics of materials, which is often critical for special collections.
- **Authority:** Officially recognized and described by the Library of Congress Linked Data Service.
- **Longevity:** The associated web presence has been active since 1990, indicating a long history of digital accessibility.
- **Professional Maintenance:** Strictly curated by the Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section rather than open contribution.

## Body

### Development and Governance
The **RBMS Controlled Vocabularies** are a product of the **Bibliographic Standards Committee of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section**. This body serves as both the creator and the ongoing maintainer of the thesauri. The project originates from the **United States** and operates primarily in **English**.

### Scope and Content
The resource functions as a set of **thesauri** intended for high-precision cataloging. Its scope includes:
- **Form and Genre:** Terms defining the specific type of material.
- **Physical Characteristics:** Terms describing the physical makeup of the item.
- **Relationships:** Terminology for associating materials with **individuals** or **corporate bodies**.

### Technical Context and Access
The resource is accessible via a dedicated **website** at `https://rbms.info/vocabularies/index.shtml`. The site has a recorded inception date of **1990**. The vocabularies are classified as a **controlled vocabulary** and are integrated into wider library science standards, evidenced by their description within the **Library of Congress Linked Data Service**. They are currently utilized in specific pilot projects, such as the **WikiProject PCC Wikidata Pilot/University of Washington**.

## References

1. [Source](https://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/rbmscv.html)