Label Definition
A Label Definition is a first-class document whose Document id is itself a Label IRI. Resolving the Label IRI yields this document — prose explaining what the Label means, when to apply it, and a short tooltip summary editors surface in autocomplete.
Why Labels are declared, not just used
Labels classify a document's nature ("documentation", "technical-requirement"). They are intrinsic and sealed by the Version — applied at publish time inside the Version graph. Because they are part of an authorial seal, their meaning must be stable and shared. A LabelDefinition document is how the organisation publishes, evolves, and audits that shared meaning.
Tags are not Labels
A Tag is a workflow state ("draft", "legal-cleared") applied from outside the document by a tagging authority. Tags live in the org-owned store, not in a Version graph. Use this distinction when naming: if a classification can change without republishing, it is a Tag — give it a different vocabulary.
Typical body
- Intent. What this Label means — a sentence editors can surface as a tooltip.
- When to apply. Concrete criteria.
- When not to apply. The boundary with adjacent Labels.
- Examples. Cross-references to sample documents wearing the Label.
Identity rule
Built-in Labels live under sdgl: (https://docs.cida.no/ontology/sparqdown-graph/labels/). Organisations declare their own Labels under their own namespace; the loader reserves the sdgl: namespace for the registry.