Style Guide Task Force
The Style Guide has been meeting during the last few months, developing this long-overdue standard. As promised sample sections of this document are posted below. The sections represent a new approach to the data elements within our Community Information databases.
Each page addresses a specific Mandatory Data Element (not field). Data elements are abstract, general types of information, while data fields are the "containers" in which a specific database for the information - or component parts of that information. For example a street address is a data element no matter how it is entered into a database, whether it is entered in its entirety into one field, or whether the information is entered into half a dozen small fields (one for the street number, one for the street name, etc).
The following Data Elements have been vetted through the cmte and are posted here (all Adobe PDF format):
DESCRIPTION - posted July 08 (draft)
This section dissects the components of a great service Description. Please read the intro page for a better understanding of the principles behind the Description area, along with best practices for a cohesive and comprehensive data element. Download PDF
ELIGIBILITY - posted June 08 (draft)
This field describes the target groups (ie age, gender, income, cultural background) who will be accessing a community service. The document outlines best practices in this area. As well, the Style Guide TF is recommending that the Age Range field (part of Eligibility field in CIOC) be an Optional Element at this time, but strongly urges members to continue to include this important part of the criteria in the Eligibility field. Download PDF
Working in French (part of Intro section) - posted May 08 (draft)
Many centres are handling bilingual databases. This document outlines some of the best practices related to managing the French-language listings. Download PDF
SITE ADDRESS AND MAIL ADDRESS - Final
This area provides an outline on usage and best practices related to the Site Address and Mail Address groups of fields. Download PDF
EXECUTIVE & CONTACT - Final
This area provides an outline on usage and best practices related to the Executive and Contact fields. Download PDF
MEMO/BULLETIN - Final
These elements identify text fields which provide information to the public users (ie. service is closing), information to the I&R staff (ie. use with caution) and information for the data management staff (ie. private contact info). Download PDF
GEOGRAPHY - Final
The Geography section represents a series of data elements encompassing the geopgraphic features of a service - from its service boundaries to intersection information. Review these as a set of interlocking elements. Download PDF
LEGAL STATUS (currently “Service Level”) - Final
Please note that Legal Status is the name used by AIRS for this element and the task group believes this is a better reflection of the purpose of this information. The previous IO design provided a number of options regarding levels of government. From the perspective of the data collaborative we are suggesting that only 3 values need to be attached and that any local values can be added in a Notes field.
Download PDF
WWW ADDRESS - Final
This section includes French notes and suggestion of an enhancements in CIOC to provide an independent parallel field in the French view, options for multiple occurrences and a supplementary Notes field.
Download PDF
HOURS - Final
Note the French examples and use of the 24-hour format in French, also the very specific style instructions. Download PDF
Please provide any feedback on the InformOntario discussion board - see appropriate posting
Thank you on behalf of the comittee!
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