The Integrated Authority File (German: Gemeinsame Normdatei) or GND is an international authority file. It is used by librarians for the organisation of personal names, subject headings and corporate bodies. It is used mainly for documentation in libraries and increasingly also by archives and museums. The GND is managed by the German National Library in cooperation with various library networks in German-speaking Europe and other partners. The GND falls under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
Integrated Authority File
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the Integrated Authority File (GND)?
A: The Integrated Authority File (GND) is an international authority file used by librarians for organizing personal names, subject headings, and corporate bodies.
Q: What do librarians use the GND for?
A: Librarians use the GND for the documentation of personal names, subject headings, and corporate bodies.
Q: Is the GND used solely by libraries?
A: No, the GND is increasingly being used by archives and museums as well.
Q: Who is responsible for managing the GND?
A: The German National Library manages the GND in cooperation with various library networks in German-speaking Europe and other partners.
Q: What is the legal status of the GND?
A: The GND falls under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.
Q: What does the CC0 license mean for the GND?
A: The CC0 license means that the GND can be freely used and shared without any restrictions or limitations.
Q: What language is the GND primarily used in?
A: The GND is primarily used in German-speaking Europe.