The Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) for Humanities Publishing
J. M. SMITH · Literary and Linguistic Computing · 1987
A new methodology, at the core of which is generic coding, has been developed within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This is known as the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). Using SGML, the elements of a document are marked up as to their role, be it a paragraph, an abstract, a note, or whatever; the style of presentation is a separate issue and is not addressed by SGML. These elements can form part of a data base, which can be updated at will. So there is the notion of data base publishing. The Standard Generalized Markup Language is presented as a tool for full-text data base publishing, where the options for output are open, an example being given of a marked up document. Its value for all aspects of humanities publishing is addressed: whether for scholarly papers intended for a journal, books, specialist publications, dictionaries, or bibliographies, indeed, whatever is input to an electronic medium with the intention of its being imaged subsequently in some form; whether alone, in part, or in combination with other text. SGML represents an advance in publishing methodology, taking advantage of developing technology. It can be exploited as such in an academic environment to give an added dimension to research publications.