Document History
This version: July 2001
Previous version: None
Most recent version: March 27, 2004
The GEM Consortium encourages the widespread non-commercial use of GEM metadata records, the GEM Protocols (element set, vocabularies), and its non-proprietary software (i.e. GEMCat Cataloging module). The following policy statement provides guidelines for their use. The goal is to protect the rights of Consortium members and to provide a benefit to the Consortium for the use of their GEM metadata records and protocols.
The Gateway Database and GEM Metadata Records
Individuals and organizations who wish to use GEM metadata records shall join the GEM Consortium. GEM Consortium members may use The Gateway repository database of GEM metadata records, in full or in substantial part, for any purpose approved in the GEM Consortium bylaws. GEM Consortium members grant each other the full right to use each other's GEM metadata records for non-commercial uses. In exchange for the use of GEM metadata records, individuals and organizations are required to support or contribute to GEM by:
- Contributing GEM metadata records to The Gateway
- Agreeing to share research findings through www.geminfo.org
- Agreeing to promote GEM by crediting GEM as a contributor ("Powered by GEM" icon, and/or "GEM Consortium member" icon)
Ownership of copyright to The Gateway database, GEM metadata records, and the resources described in the GEM metadata records, are in accordance with the Intellectual Copyright Statement at http://www.geminfo.org/Participation/gov.html#rights.
GEM Protocols (element set, vocabularies, software)
In association with the GEM Consortium members, the GEM Administrative Group at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology at Syracuse University, have been working on a number of data files and applications for implementing the GEM profile and creating GEM metadata records. These files and applications are located in the Tools directory. All of the resources in the Tools section are made available without express or implied warranties.
Organizations or individuals who wish to use the GEM profile and software to develop their own systems shall join the User Group operational body of the GEM Consortium. In exchange for the use of GEM profile and software, individuals and organizations are required to support or contribute to GEM by:
- Contributing GEM metadata records to The Gateway
- Agreeing to share research findings through www.geminfo.org
- Agreeing to promote GEM by crediting GEM as a contributor ("Powered by GEM" icon, and/or "GEM Consortium member" icon)
All GEM documentation (e.g., including software, training materials, lists of stakeholders, official GEM www sites administered or authorized by the GEM Administrative Group, etc.) was developed with Government funding, and is owned by the Government.
GEM metadata records: Metadata records contributed by GEM Consortium members to The Gateway. The records conform to the GEM profile (i.e. it contains all of the required data in the mandatory elements.)
