Metadata Decisions for Digital Libraries Survey Results

Survey Contents

Introduction and data collection

Open Questions Summary 2:
Significant issues beyond metadata communities

Suggestions of major metadata issues from the comments of Open Questions (continued)

Tools for original metadata

-"Metadata creation requires solid tools, and so far there are not any widely established systems for the creation of (for example) VRA Core records, DDI, records, etc. The digital library arena needs to evolve to develop some stable and sustainable tools to feed processing, discovery, and preservation workflows."

-Metadata creation tools must be easy-to-use and affordable. More specifically, a responder expressed a desire to "have tools that allow users with no XML knowledge the ability to create MODS/DC/VRA Core records, etc., preferably without having to see the XML code of the record that enables metadata creators to just concentrate on the content [rather] than working with the XML codes."

-Vendors of library-integrated systems should provide some useful tools. "Today the majority of the small-to-midrange library community is stuck in its own ILS silo using MARC...ILS which doesn't play well with other metadata. ILS vendors need to advance more quickly or the library community will become more marginalized."

Outreach--calling for actions to break silos

-Spread the wealth and make this activity more mainstream and less of a do-it-yourself project.

-The library integrated systems and digital libraries should be synchronized rather than being isolated and separately developed and operated: "integrating digital projects into routine work of the libraries, i.e., moving from isolated digital projects to a digital library program."

Stakeholders need to have increased awareness and accept the importance of controlled vocabularies and metadata.