FAIR Metric – I2 – Metadata - Resolvability of metadata values

This metric evaluates whether the controlled values (objects or targets) linked to property terms within the metadata record under evaluation are themselves resolvable.

Implementations should check the value fields across the metadata record for valid URIs representing controlled vocabulary terms, entities, or concepts. For example, if a schema:inLanguage property contains a sameAs link pointing to http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/iso639-2/eng, implementations should attempt to resolve that value URI over HTTP(S).

As a minimal implementation of Principle I2, a metadata record should receive a pass from test implementations of this metric if at least one URI contained within the metadata values successfully resolves. It receives a fail result if URIs are present within the metadata values but none of them resolve. If no URIs are present within any of the metadata values, the result is indeterminate.

Why should we measure it?

FAIR Principle I2 mandates that controlled vocabularies and terminologies used to describe data are FAIR in their own right. Verifying that value URIs resolve ensures that metadata uses linked references rather than static text strings, ensuring long-term interpretability and supporting automated semantic reasoning across the research community.