Common approach to XLink namespace

[kerstarno]

While EAC-CPF uses attributes from the XLink namespace (xlink:actuate, xlink:arcrole, xlink:href, xlink:role, xlink:show, xlink:title, xlink:type), EAD3 has taken the decision to move away from XLink and to use its own version of these attributes (actuate, arcrole, href, linkrole, linktitle, show).

[kerstarno]

Conversations so far have reiterated the argumentation followed during the EAD revision, that inclusion of namespaces introduce "onerous and needless complexity [...] when processing XML" (quote from Preface to EAD3 Tag Library).

In addition, the use of XLink in general seems to be declining.

Furthermore, the point has been made that, if EAC-CPF and EAD3 were to use XLink, this should mean an actual implementation of these attributes as set out in XLink rather than e.g. implying restrictions (as done currently with xlink:type only allowing the value "simple").

[kerstarno]

Inclination to NOT include XLink namespace anymore.

Next steps:

• Reconsider if equivalents of all XLink attributes are necessary in the context of EAD and EAC-CPF
• Reconsider alternative names of the attributes that are considered to be necessary, similar to e.g. linkrole and linktitle in EAD3

[kerstarno]

I've linked this issue to the according conversation within the EAC-CPF subteam.

[SJagodzinski]

See EAC-CPF team decision in our issue.

Removing is agreed, but make sure to keep linking functionality in the schemas with the same language.
Advantages of xlink namespace were seen for interoperability by using a common namespace, esp. interoperability with RDF.

Also agreed on your next steps.

[kerstarno]

Requirement to pick up on decision at EAC-CPF team.

Similarly to what's been said for the XML namespace (#2), terminology might be useful to discuss jointly with EAD and EAC-CPF teams for alignment.

[SJagodzinski]

EAD-EAC-CPF meeting, 28 January 2020:
Decision to delete @xLink:type without substitution.

EAC-CPF Berlin meeting, 11 March 2020:

Decision to remove @actuate, @Arcrole, @show from xlink attribute set in EAC-CPF and in EAD.