Overview
ISO/TR 10989:2009 - "Reference materials - Guidance on, and keywords used for, RM categorization" provides guidance for harmonizing how reference materials (RM) are described and presented. The Technical Report summarizes a study of existing classification and categorization schemes, defines a flexible harmonized categorization approach, and supplies a recommended keyword list (Annex A) to support consistent presentation and electronic retrieval of reference materials in catalogues and databases.
Key Topics
- Survey of existing schemes: Analysis of eight major schemes (e.g., ILAC, COMAR, VIRM, IRMM, ERM, CCQM, LGC Promochem) to identify strengths and inconsistencies in RM categorization.
- Harmonized categorization principles: A descriptive, flexible model built on three primary perspectives:
- (Certified) reference property
- Field of application
- Analyte and matrix
- Layout and recommendations: Guidance on how to structure keyword sequences, when fields may be left blank (e.g., “n/a”), and how to manage multi-property RMs by attributing multiple keyword sequences.
- Reporting and searchability: Best practices for presenting attributed keywords in printed and electronic product specifications, and for implementing search tools that use the keyword fields.
- Keyword list and coding: Annex A provides a comprehensive, extensible list of keywords for RM categorization and guidance on category keyword coding (Clauses 5–6).
Applications
ISO/TR 10989:2009 is practical for organizations that produce, distribute, index or use reference materials, including:
- Reference material producers and distributors - to present product catalogues consistently and improve discoverability.
- Laboratories and RM users - to find suitable reference materials by certified property, application, analyte, or matrix.
- Database and catalogue designers - to implement searchable fields and keyword taxonomies for RM catalogues (electronic and printed).
- Accreditation and quality bodies - to harmonize external presentation of RMs and support transparent comparisons across providers.
Practical benefits include improved searchability, clearer product differentiation (e.g., CRM vs. non-certified RM), and adaptive categorization that can evolve with new RM developments.
Related initiatives
ISO/TR 10989:2009 was prepared by ISO/REMCO and references major RM schemes and initiatives such as ILAC, COMAR, VIRM, IRMM, ERM, and CCQM. It is intended as an informative tool to harmonize RM categorization for modern internet-based catalogues and databases.
Keywords: ISO/TR 10989:2009, reference materials, RM categorization, keywords, harmonized categorization scheme, certified reference material, CRM, reference material catalogues, RM database search.