Metadata and Preservation Metadata Trail
About this trail | FAQs about
Metadata | FAQs about Preservation Metadata |
Beginners Trail | Other
trails
About this trail
The resources in this trail are divided into general metadata and the
more specific preservation metadata. This trail emphasises preservation
metadata as it is a vital part of ensuring long term access to digital
information. The assumed knowledge is beginner level. This trail is a subset of
the full PADI database.
FAQs about Metadata
FAQs about Preservation Metadata
What is metadata?
The term metadata can be defined as structured information that
describes digital resources. Without metadata digital objects are unreadable,
inaccessible, impossible to locate and possibly useless. Metadata describes
such areas as the content, physical description and location, type and form of
the information and information necessary for management.
Introduction to Metadata - Pathways to Digital Information. The chapter called Setting the Stage contains a clear and concise look at metadata.
What are the different types of metadata?
There are many ways to characterise metadata. Some of the broad types of
metadata are - descriptive metadata, structural metadata and administrative
metadata. Another category, preservation metadata, is a
subset of metadata and relates to describing digital resources for long-term
accessibility. The resources below provide introductory information on metadata
in general.
Meta
Map A useful tool for the beginner, this is a graphical representation
of various aspects of metadata in the form of a subway map. It includes
definitions and links.
IFLANET. Digital Libraries
: Metadata Resources
Contains extensive links to international projects,
initiatives, tutorials, standards and organisations.
Metadata
Resources Guide This 27 page document was created as a research tool to
help in the development of metadata standards for the government of Alberta. It
lists international initiatives, schemas, domain metadata, listservs and
subject gateways.
Why is the metadata on PADI mostly concerned with preservation
metadata?
PADI is primarily concerned with preservation metadata as it is this
subset of metadata that is essential to ensuring long-term accessibility. The
development of structured ways to describe and record information is needed to
manage the preservation of digital resources.
Where can I find more information on metadata?
For more information on metadata, see the
PADI metadata topic page, or,
search the PADI database using 'metadata' as
the search term.
What is preservation metadata and how is it related to other forms
of metadata?
Preservation metadata can be defined as a subset of metadata. As the
name suggests, this strand of metadata is considered the most relevant to the
preservation of access to digital materials. It provides structured ways to
describe and record information needed to manage the preservation of digital
resources. How digital materials are described and managed is essential if such
objects are to be accessible to future users.
Cedars Guide
to Preservation Metadata
This document explains why preservation
metadata is important, provides information on various initiaves and provides
suggestion for further reading.
Is there a preservation metadata standard ?
There is no uniform preservation metadata standard. In fact, there have
been a number of different initiatives developed by library, information
technology, archive, government and academic sectors from all around the world.
See below for examples of how various institutions are applying preservation
metadata.
Preservation
Metadata for Digital Materials
Features links to the OCLC-RLG working
groups convened to implement preservation metadata and PREMIS. Also has links
to resources on preservation metadata.
PREMIS Preservation Metadata Maintenance Activity was set up by the Library of Congress and is responsible for maintaining, supporting, and coordinating future revisions to the PREMIS data dictionary and XML schemas.
The PREMIS data dictionary first released in 2005 and revised in 2008 was the first comprehensive specification for preservation metadata produced from an international, cross-domain consensus-building process.
Where can I find more information about preservation
metadata?
For more information on preservation metadata, see the
PADI preservation metadata topic page, or,
search the PADI database using 'preservation
metadata' as the search term.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA, Canberra, ACT 2600, AUSTRALIA
Telephone + 61 2 6262 1111; Facsimile +61 2 6257 1703; Telephone Typewriter
Number: 1800 026 372
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