Source example XML documents

[PhilReedData]

Let's use this issue to collect and discuss example datasets to use the lc-xml lesson.

In our last meeting we discussed:

• Mary Hamilton papers (some are CC-BY licenced)
• LC regex lesson exercises - for inspiration
• The learning objectives may diverge, particularly in the specific schema. Perhaps there is enough in general concepts that we can keep the different schema in coordination.
• Using a "bibliography" or "poem" example as a basic exercise in the first section (Intro) could work as an activity. "Schema-less" rather than based on a specific schema.

I have requested the XML files used in the Mary Hamilton papers and sought permission to include them. (These letters have been digitised and given to students to learn transcription and annotation including TEI). I have asked colleagues to suggest other content from The University of Manchester Library which may be of use.

[PhilReedData]

I'm speaking with the lead academic on the Mary Hamilton papers to use some of their XML examples of transcribed letters (content and metadata). More on that in a few days.

In addition, perhaps in earlier examples, we could use recipes. My colleague Elizabeth Gow says "Recipes work well – both for xml markup as descriptive (identifying ingredients, instructions, quantities etc.), but also for developing rules/schemas (a recipe must have at least one ingredient, ingredients must have a quantity (and a unit of measure for that quantity) etc.)." I think that recipes will be easier for non-library staff to engage with.

My first sketch of such an example:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<recipeCollection>
  <description>
     A selection of recipes for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
  </description>
  <recipe>
    <title>Vegetable and tofu stir-fry</title>
    <ingredient name="white onion" amount="200" unit="grams"/>
    <ingredient name="rice noodles" amount="100" unit="grams"/>
    ...
    <method>
      <step>Squeeze the tofu to remove excess water.</step>
      <step>Add the oil to the wok and heat it.</step>
      ...
    </method>
    <comment>
      You may wish to marinade the tofu overnight to improve its flavour.
    </comment>
    <serving portions="2"/>
  </recipe>
  ...
</recipeCollection>