Database Quality: Label or Liable.

The Centre for Information Quality Management (CIQM) was set up by the Library Association and UK (United Kingdom) Online User Group to act as a clearinghouse to which database users may report problems relating to the quality of any aspect of a database being used. CIQM acts as an intermediary between the user and information provider in obtaining solutions and collects statistics on database quality issues which they provide to the information industry. CIQM has proposed "Data Labelling" as a means by which users can be made aware of database capabilities and limitations. Database Labels are short specifications that include a qualitative assessment of a database's performance. Labels would be created by the information provider and include a complete statement of subject coverage, the total number of records, detailed geographic, language and time coverage, and simple statements of policy on points such as indexing and inclusion. Labels would have a uniform appearance in order to distinguish them from other documentation, and would be generated regularly, ideally with each product update. If Labels were accredited by an impartial agency, their value would be significantly enhanced, and Labels would then serve as a guarantee of product quality. Ways to implement labeling, implications, and barriers are discussed. (SWC)