Quote:
Originally Posted by Boilerplate4U
According to the standard specifications the scheme attribute seems optional, this is probably the main reason why so many publishers omit it.
" The identifier element has an optional OPF scheme attribute defined by this specification. The scheme attribute names the system or authority that generated or assigned the text contained within the identifier element, for example "ISBN" or "DOI." The values of the scheme attribute are case sensitive only when the particular scheme requires it.
This specification does not standardize or endorse any particular publication identifier scheme. Specific uses of URLs or ISBNs are not yet addressed by this specification. Identifier schemes are not currently defined by Dublin Core" |
You are correct in that the specs say the scheme is optional. But, it also doesn't say anything about what the identifier is when the scheme is not set. And it seems to be saying that if the identifier has a meaning, that it needs the scheme. But, overall, what you are suggesting is complicating the code to check the identifier against all known schemes when the scheme is omitted. Personally, I think that is a bad idea. And, from my experience, and I suspect from Kovid's based on his response, not at all useful.