DITA XML

Good metadata conforms to community standards in a way that is appropriate to the materials in the collection, users of the collection

Good metadata supports interoperability

Good metadata uses authority control and content standards to describe objects

It is essential to conform to, or at the very least map to, known community standards for metadata, rather than using proprietary or homegrown schemes. However, simply because a particular metadata scheme is considered a standard does not necessarily mean that it is the appropriate standard for any given collection.

One of the very first steps in implementing a metadata strategy is to analyze and identify the most appropriate metadata standard—or set of standards—for your collections. The metadata scheme(s) and controlled vocabularies and thesauri that have been developed for specific communities and types of materials should be carefully researched and analyzed, and the most appropriate ones selected and implemented. 

In some cases, the best strategy may be to utilize two or more metadata schemes in an integrated manner.

Good metadata should be coherent, meaningful, and useful in global contexts beyond those in which it was created.

The creation of accessible, meaningful shared collections implies responsibilities on both the part of the data providers

The goal of interoperability is to help users find and access information objects that are distributed across domains and institutions.

Terms and conditions of use include the copyright status of the object—whether it is in the public domain or is copyright protected—and any restrictions on use. The user should be informed how to obtain permission for restricted uses and how to cite the material for allowed uses.

Attributes of distributed objects should be expressed using standard controlled terms whenever possible.

Factors to consider include:

Tools to support the use of the vocabulary. Is there an online thesaurus? Can it be incorporated into the collection’s search system? Are there cross-references and related terms?