NISOs Bibliographic References Standard Earns ANSI Approval

BETHESDA, MD - July 18, 2005 - The National Information Standards Organization announced today that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has given final approval to Bibliographic References standard, Z39.29-2005. The standard provides rules, guidelines, and examples for the creation of bibliographic references to print, audiovisual, and electronic materials. Available as a free download at http://www.niso.org/standards/resources/Z39-29-2005.pdf, Z39.29 offers a streamlined, simplified process, designed to enable any user to report the critical components of a bibliographic reference.
An extensive section describing how to create citations for digital information resources is featured. In the standard, references are grouped into fifteen broad categories based on the type of work. Whether referring to an ebook, videotape, an audio book, sheet music, journal article or other work, the user of this standard is able to identify the appropriate category and proceed to construct the reference.

"This standard is intended for a broad audience," noted Pat Harris, Executive Director of NISO. "That audience includes the authors and editors who create bibliographic references, the publishers and other information-based businesses that publish references, and the ultimate users of the references."

About NISO

NISO, a non-profit association accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), identifies, develops, maintains, and publishes technical standards to manage information in our changing and ever-more digital environment. NISO standards apply both traditional and new technologies to the full range of information-related needs, including retrieval, re-purposing, storage, metadata, and preservation. NISO Standards, information about NISO's activities and membership are featured on the NISO website http://www.niso.org.