XML Without Tears

Presenter: Ron Davies, Senior Systems Librarian, International Labour Organization

The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is the most significant development in information sharing since the invention of the World Wide Web. This markup turned data description language is rapidly changing how we create, use, share and search for traditional and non-traditional forms of information, including information on chemical structures, mutual funds, and astronomical instruments. Avoid the high cost of books on XML, the long waits while you download lengthy draft recommendations, the frustration of wading through reams of free product announcements, the embarassment of saying *schemas* when you mean *schemata*! By attending this session, you will learn, in nine easy steps, all you really need to know about XML-- or at least enough to impress your friends who will treat you with the respect due an XML guru. As an added bonus-- at this conference only!-- you will hear a description of actually applying some of this knowledge to real world problems, and the successes and failures to date of one of the many nascent XML-based markup languages.