diff --git a/papers/bcr-2026-xxx-creativework-roles.md b/papers/bcr-2026-xxx-creativework-roles.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd3a66a --- /dev/null +++ b/papers/bcr-2026-xxx-creativework-roles.md @@ -0,0 +1,445 @@ +# CreativeWork Role Predicates + +## BCR-2026-XXX + +**© 2026 Blockchain Commons** + +Authors: Christopher Allen
+Date: February 2, 2026 + +--- + +## Abstract + +This document specifies Known Value predicates for creative contribution roles in Gordian Envelopes. These 14 roles describe what kind of contribution an entity made to a creative work — Author, Editor, Architect, Designer, and others — independent of whether the contributor is human, AI, or a hybrid team. + +This vocabulary is derived from the CreativeWork contributor roles vocabulary (to be published at [attestation.info](https://attestation.info)) and designed to work with Schema.org's Role pattern while remaining interoperable with CRediT, ONIX, MARC, and EBUCore. + +This BCR complements: +- [BCR-2026-XXX: General Assertion Predicates](bcr-2026-xxx-general-assertions.md) — lifecycle management +- [BCR-2026-XXX: Principal Authority Predicates](bcr-2026-xxx-principal-authority.md) — authority relationships + +## Status: Pre-Registration Proposal + +📙 **Research** — This BCR proposes new Known Values and is seeking community review. + +### Registration Intent + +We propose registering these predicates in the **Community Assigned (specification required)** range (1000-1999) as defined in [BCR-2023-002](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/papers/bcr-2023-002-known-value.md). + +This range is currently unassigned. We are seeking **rough consensus** from the Gordian developer community before claiming these codepoints. If the community determines these predicates: +- Do not merit the 1000-1999 range, or +- Should use different codepoint assignments + +We will register in the **Community Assigned (first come-first served)** range (100000+) instead. + +### Request for Community Review + +We invite feedback on: +- Whether these role definitions are clear and complete +- Whether the 1000-1999 range is appropriate for this vocabulary +- Whether the CRediT/ONIX/MARC mappings are accurate +- Any missing roles that belong in this creative contribution vocabulary +- Suggested refinements to role definitions + +### Open Questions + +**Q1: Is `niso-credit:Conceptualization` equivalent to "ConceptOriginator"?** + +NISO CRediT defines Conceptualization as: "Ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims." + +This BCR's ConceptOriginator is defined as: "Originated the core idea, premise, or conceptual foundation of the CreativeWork." + +These may differ in: +- **Scope**: CRediT is scholarly research-focused; ConceptOriginator applies to all creative works +- **Emphasis**: CRediT includes "evolution" of goals; ConceptOriginator emphasizes "origination" + +Should we use `niso-credit:Conceptualization` (2400) directly, define a distinct `ConceptOriginator` (1065), or document both with clear distinction? + +Please submit feedback via: +- [Gordian Developer Community Discussions](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Gordian-Developer-Community/discussions) +- Pull requests to this specification + +## Introduction + +### Problem Statement + +Existing role vocabularies tend to be: +- **Domain-specific** — CRediT for scholarly publishing, ONIX for book trade +- **Medium-specific** — text-only, audiovisual-only +- **Conflating multiple axes** — mixing authorship with implementation + +Creative works increasingly span text, code, media, and data in a single work. A cross-creative, medium-agnostic role vocabulary is needed. + +### Solution + +This specification defines 14 roles that: +- Separate ideation, expression, design, execution, review, and lifecycle +- Work equally for code, standards, books, films, datasets, and hybrid works +- Are orthogonal to agent type (human, AI, tool, or hybrid team) +- Map to existing standards without duplicating them + +### Scope Boundary + +This BCR defines **creative contribution roles** — what kind of work was done. + +**Not in scope:** +- Authority relationships (who directed whom) — see [BCR-2026-XXX](bcr-2026-xxx-principal-authority.md) +- Lifecycle roles (distribution, stewardship) — see BCR-2026-XXX +- Social roles (community shepherding, facilitation) +- Domain-specific scholarly roles (funding acquisition, investigation) + +### Agent Type Orthogonality + +Role definitions describe *what* is being done, not *who or what* does it. Any role can be filled by: +- Humans +- AI systems +- Tools +- Hybrid teams + +The same role vocabulary applies regardless of agent type. Attribution quality should be consistent whether the Author is a human writer or an AI system. + +## Terminology + +**Role**: A type of contribution to a creative work, describing what was done. + +**CreativeWork**: Any work of authorship — text, code, music, visual composition, data, or hybrid. + +**Known Value**: A registered predicate identifier in the Gordian Envelope system. See [BCR-2023-002](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/papers/bcr-2023-002-known-value.md). + +## Referenced Specifications + +### BCR-2026-XXX: General Assertion Predicates + +| Codepoint | Predicate | Usage with Roles | +|-----------|-----------|------------------| +| 1002 | `processDisclosure` | Describes how the work was produced | + +### BCR-2026-XXX: Principal Authority Predicates + +| Codepoint | Predicate | Usage with Roles | +|-----------|-----------|------------------| +| 1040 | `principalAuthority` | Who directed the work | +| 1041 | `assertsDelegationFrom` | Agent claims delegation | + +### Schema.org Predicates + +| Codepoint | Predicate | Usage with Roles | +|-----------|-----------|------------------| +| 11227 | `schema:contributor` | Links work to contributor with role assertions | +| 12151 | `schema:roleName` | Assigns role type to contributor | + +These predicates use the [Schema.org Known Values Registry](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/known-value-assignments/markdown/10000_schema_registry.md) for structural patterns. + +## Proposed Known Value Assignments + +All proposed codepoints are in the **Community Assigned (specification required)** range (1000-1999). + +### CreativeWork Roles (1060-1073) + +--- + +#### `schema:author` (11063) + +**Type**: property (Schema.org) +**Definition**: Created the primary expressive content of the CreativeWork. +**Includes**: Text, code, music, visual composition, or other expressive media. +**CRediT mapping**: Writing – Original Draft, Software +**MARC mapping**: aut (Author) + +``` + Digest(document) [ + 'schema:author': XID(writer) + ] +``` + +> **Note**: Use the existing Schema.org predicate `schema:author` (11063) rather than defining a new role value. + +--- + +#### `schema:editor` (11369) + +**Type**: property (Schema.org) +**Definition**: Refined, revised, or shaped existing content for quality, clarity, or coherence. +**CRediT mapping**: Writing – Review & Editing +**MARC mapping**: edt (Editor) + +``` + Digest(document) [ + 'schema:editor': XID(editor) + ] +``` + +> **Note**: Use the existing Schema.org predicate `schema:editor` (11369) rather than defining a new role value. + +--- + +#### 1062: `Architect` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Designed the high-level structural organization and governing principles of the CreativeWork. +**Notes**: A specialization of Designer focused on formal structure rather than aesthetic presentation. +**CRediT mapping**: Methodology (partial) + +--- + +#### 1063: `Designer` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Shaped the aesthetic, visual, or experiential presentation of the CreativeWork. +**CRediT mapping**: Visualization +**ONIX mapping**: A12 (Book designer) + +--- + +#### 1064: `Manager` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Coordinated, administered, or oversaw the production process. +**CRediT mapping**: Project Administration, Supervision +**MARC mapping**: ppm (Project manager) + +--- + +#### `niso-credit:Conceptualization` (2400) + +**Type**: value (NISO CRediT) +**Definition**: Originated the core idea, premise, or conceptual foundation of the CreativeWork. +**Notes**: Captures ideation prior to expressive creation. Distinct from authorship and implementation. + +``` + Digest(document) [ + 'schema:contributor': { + XID(ideator) [ + 'schema:roleName': 'niso-credit:Conceptualization' + ] + } + ] +``` + +> **Note**: Use the existing NISO CRediT role value `niso-credit:Conceptualization` (2400) rather than defining a new `ConceptOriginator` value. + +--- + +#### 1066: `Documenter` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Created documentation, specifications, or explanatory materials for the CreativeWork. +**Notes**: Distinct from Author — Documenter creates materials *about* the work, not the work itself. + +--- + +#### 1067: `TechnicalProducer` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Implemented the technical realization of the CreativeWork. +**Notes**: Answers "how the work is made to function or exist." For audiovisual, this includes recording, mixing, mastering. +**EBUCore mapping**: Technical producer + +--- + +#### 1068: `Curator` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Selected and organized materials or works into a coherent whole. +**CRediT mapping**: Data Curation (partial) +**MARC mapping**: cur (Curator) + +--- + +#### 1069: `Reviewer` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Evaluated, critiqued, or assessed the CreativeWork. +**CRediT mapping**: Validation (partial) +**MARC mapping**: rev (Reviewer) + +--- + +#### 1070: `Maintainer` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Provides ongoing care, updates, or stewardship of the CreativeWork after initial creation. +**Notes**: Technical maintenance focus. For broader stewardship of ideas, see BCR-2026-XXX. + +--- + +#### 1071: `MaterialContributor` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Supplied reusable materials incorporated into the CreativeWork. +**Includes**: Assets, libraries, datasets, samples, or other materials. +**CRediT mapping**: Resources + +--- + +#### 1072: `Performer` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Performed, presented, or enacted the CreativeWork. +**Includes**: Musicians, actors, speakers, demonstrators. +**MARC mapping**: prf (Performer) +**EBUCore mapping**: Performer + +--- + +#### 1073: `IntellectualContributor` + +**Type**: role +**Definition**: Contributed ideas or guidance without authorship or editorial ownership. +**Notes**: Advisory input, consultation, or expertise that shaped the work without direct creation. +**CRediT mapping**: (no direct equivalent — CRediT focuses on direct contributions) + +--- + +## Standard Mappings + +### CRediT Taxonomy Mapping + +CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) is registered in the Known Values registry at codepoints 2400-2413. See [NISO CRediT Registry](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/known-value-assignments/markdown/2400_niso_credit_registry.md). + +| CRediT Role | Codepoint | CreativeWork Role | Notes | +|-------------|-----------|-------------------|-------| +| Conceptualization | 2400 | ConceptOriginator | Direct mapping | +| Data Curation | 2401 | Curator | Partial — CRediT includes data cleaning | +| Formal Analysis | 2402 | — | Scholarly-specific, out of scope | +| Funding Acquisition | 2403 | — | Scholarly-specific, out of scope | +| Investigation | 2404 | — | Scholarly-specific, out of scope | +| Methodology | 2405 | Architect | Partial — methodology design | +| Project Administration | 2406 | Manager | Direct mapping | +| Resources | 2407 | MaterialContributor | Direct mapping | +| Software | 2408 | Author | Code is expressive content | +| Supervision | 2409 | Manager | Combined with administration | +| Validation | 2410 | Reviewer | Partial — validation is a form of review | +| Visualization | 2411 | Designer | Direct mapping | +| Writing – Original Draft | 2412 | Author | Direct mapping | +| Writing – Review & Editing | 2413 | Editor | Direct mapping | + +### ONIX/MARC/EBUCore Mappings + +Detailed mappings to publishing and media standards are available in the attestation.info documentation (when published). Key correspondences: + +| CreativeWork Role | MARC Relator | ONIX Code | +|-------------------|--------------|-----------| +| Author | aut | A01 | +| Editor | edt | B01 | +| Designer | — | A12 | +| Performer | prf | — | +| Curator | cur | — | + +## Usage Patterns + +### Basic Role Attribution + +Use direct predicates where Schema.org provides them: + +``` + Digest(blog-post) [ + 'schema:author': XID(alice) + 'schema:editor': XID(bob) + ] +``` + +### Multiple Roles + +A single contributor may hold multiple roles. Use direct predicates where available, Role pattern for others: + +``` + Digest(software-project) [ + 'schema:author': XID(developer) + 'schema:contributor': { + XID(developer) [ + 'schema:roleName': 'Architect' + 'schema:roleName': 'Documenter' + ] + } + ] +``` + +### Roles with Principal Authority + +Combining roles with authority predicates from BCR-2026-XXX: + +``` + Digest(ai-generated-document) [ + 'principalAuthority': XID(human-director) + 'schema:author': XID(claude-ai) + 'schema:editor': XID(human-director) + 'schema:contributor': { + XID(human-director) [ + 'schema:roleName': 'niso-credit:Conceptualization' + ] + } + 'schema:contributor': { + XID(claude-ai) [ + 'assertsDelegationFrom': XID(human-director) + ] + } + 'processDisclosure': "Drafted by Claude under human direction and review." + ] +``` + +### AI as Contributor + +AI systems receive the same role vocabulary as human contributors: + +``` + Digest(code-module) [ + 'schema:author': "Claude Sonnet 4.5" + 'schema:editor': XID(developer) + 'schema:contributor': { + XID(developer) [ + 'schema:roleName': 'Reviewer' + ] + } + ] +``` + +## Roles Not Included + +The following roles are intentionally excluded from this BCR: + +| Role | Reason | Where Covered | +|------|--------|---------------| +| Distribution | Lifecycle role, not creative contribution | BCR-2026-XXX | +| Stewardship | Lifecycle role, not creative contribution | BCR-2026-XXX | +| Commissioning | May overlap with ConceptOriginator | BCR-2026-XXX (under review) | +| Community Shepherding | Social role, not creative contribution | Out of scope | +| Funding Acquisition | Scholarly-specific | Out of scope | +| Investigation | Scholarly-specific | Out of scope | +| Formal Analysis | Scholarly-specific | Out of scope | + +## Security Considerations + +### Role Claims Are Assertions + +Role attributions are claims by the asserter. Relying parties must: +- Verify the identity of the contributor +- Evaluate whether to trust the role claim +- Consider the authority context (who made the attribution) + +### Role vs. Authority + +Having a role (e.g., Author) does not imply authority over the work. Authority relationships are expressed through BCR-2026-XXX predicates (`principalAuthority`, `assertsDelegationFrom`). + +## References + +- [BCR-2023-002: Known Value Registry](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/papers/bcr-2023-002-known-value.md) +- [BCR-2026-XXX: General Assertion Predicates](bcr-2026-xxx-general-assertions.md) +- [BCR-2026-XXX: Principal Authority Predicates](bcr-2026-xxx-principal-authority.md) +- [attestation.info](https://attestation.info) — Source vocabulary (planned) +- [CRediT Taxonomy](https://credit.niso.org/) — ANSI/NISO Z39.104-2022 +- [NISO CRediT Known Values Registry](https://github.com/BlockchainCommons/Research/blob/master/known-value-assignments/markdown/2400_niso_credit_registry.md) — Codepoints 2400-2413 +- [MARC Relator Codes](https://www.loc.gov/marc/relators/) +- [ONIX Code Lists](https://www.editeur.org/14/Code-Lists/) + +## Related BCRs + +- **BCR-2026-XXX: General Assertion Predicates** — Lifecycle management +- **BCR-2026-XXX: Principal Authority Predicates** — Authority relationships +- **BCR-2026-XXX: Lifecycle Role Predicates** — Distribution, Stewardship + +--- + +*BCR-2026-XXX: CreativeWork Role Predicates* +*Draft - February 2, 2026*