How can you future-proof your library's metadata for changing technologies and standards?

Metadata is the information that describes, identifies, and organizes the resources in your library. It helps users find, access, and use the materials they need. But metadata is not static. It evolves with changing technologies and standards, and your library needs to keep up with these changes to ensure the quality and interoperability of your data. How can you future-proof your library's metadata for changing technologies and standards? Here are some tips and best practices to consider.

1 Use flexible and extensible schemas

One way to future-proof your metadata is to use schemas that are flexible and extensible. A schema is a set of rules and definitions that govern the structure and content of metadata. Flexible schemas allow you to adapt your metadata to different formats, platforms, and purposes. Extensible schemas allow you to add new elements or attributes to your metadata as needed. For example, you can use Dublin Core, a widely adopted schema that has 15 core elements and allows you to refine them with qualifiers. You can also use XML, a markup language that lets you create and customize your own tags and attributes.

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Krista Eidal

Tech-Savvy Librarian | Moving into Data Management and Software Solutions for Structured and Findable Information
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Librarians seem committed to MARC, even though it was developed in 1968. All library management systems are based on MARC. Only FOLIO uses BIBFRAME after converting from MARC. Perhaps its time to start using more semantic web -friendly metadata?

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2 Follow standards and best practices

Another way to future-proof your metadata is to follow standards and best practices that are recognized and supported by the library community. Standards are agreed-upon conventions and guidelines that ensure the consistency and compatibility of metadata across systems and domains. Best practices are recommendations and examples that help you create and maintain high-quality metadata. For example, you can follow the RDA (Resource Description and Access) standard, which provides a comprehensive framework for describing and linking resources. You can also follow the Metadata Application Profile (MAP), which specifies the schema, vocabulary, and encoding of metadata for a specific context or application.

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Krista Eidal

Tech-Savvy Librarian | Moving into Data Management and Software Solutions for Structured and Findable Information
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Doing these recommendations would be great if there were systems capable of handling anything other than MARC for bibliographic metadata. Yes we can use the 300s for some RDA. Yes we can add the linked data. None of this matters if it doesn't affect the results page and increase usability. Instead it adds time to already pressured staff.

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3 Use controlled vocabularies and identifiers

A third way to future-proof your metadata is to use controlled vocabularies and identifiers that enable the semantic interoperability and discovery of your resources. Controlled vocabularies are standardized lists of terms or concepts that represent the subjects, genres, formats, or types of your resources. Identifiers are unique and persistent codes or symbols that distinguish your resources from others. For example, you can use Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), a widely used controlled vocabulary that covers a broad range of topics and disciplines. You can also use Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), a common type of identifier that assigns a permanent link to your resources.

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4 Update and review your metadata regularly

A fourth way to future-proof your metadata is to update and review your metadata regularly to reflect the changes in your resources, users, and environment. Updating your metadata means adding, deleting, or modifying the information as necessary to keep it accurate, relevant, and current. Reviewing your metadata means checking, validating, or correcting the information to ensure it meets the standards, best practices, and expectations of your users. For example, you can update your metadata when you acquire new resources, change the location or access of existing resources, or receive feedback from users. You can also review your metadata using tools such as OpenRefine, a software that helps you clean and transform your data.

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5 Collaborate and learn from others

A fifth way to future-proof your metadata is to collaborate and learn from others who share your interests and challenges in metadata creation and management. Collaborating with others means exchanging ideas, experiences, and resources with your colleagues, peers, or partners in the library field or beyond. Learning from others means seeking guidance, advice, or training from experts, mentors, or educators in metadata-related topics or skills. For example, you can collaborate with others by joining professional associations, networks, or communities of practice that focus on metadata issues and trends. You can also learn from others by attending webinars, workshops, or courses that offer metadata education and development opportunities.

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6 Experiment and innovate with new technologies and methods

A sixth way to future-proof your metadata is to experiment and innovate with new technologies and methods that can enhance the functionality and value of your metadata. Experimenting with new technologies and methods means exploring, testing, or applying the latest tools, techniques, or approaches that can help you create, store, share, or use your metadata more effectively or efficiently. Innovating with new technologies and methods means creating, developing, or implementing new solutions, products, or services that can improve the quality, usability, or impact of your metadata. For example, you can experiment with new technologies and methods such as linked data, artificial intelligence, or crowdsourcing that can enrich, automate, or democratize your metadata. You can also innovate with new technologies and methods such as digital storytelling, data visualization, or gamification that can engage, inform, or inspire your users with your metadata.

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Krista Eidal

Tech-Savvy Librarian | Moving into Data Management and Software Solutions for Structured and Findable Information
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This can be rather difficult as: 1. Pretty much all LMS work the same way with the same metadata standards 2. Libraries can have HUGE amounts of data 3. Libraries tend not to have the time or money to trial other standards or systems 4. Library data is retained indefinitely; retro-spective changes can be impossible

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you future-proof your library's metadata for changing technologies and standards?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use flexible and extensible schemas

2 Follow standards and best practices

3 Use controlled vocabularies and identifiers

4 Update and review your metadata regularly

5 Collaborate and learn from others

6 Experiment and innovate with new technologies and methods

7 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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How can you future-proof your library's metadata for changing technologies and standards?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use flexible and extensible schemas

2 Follow standards and best practices

3 Use controlled vocabularies and identifiers

4 Update and review your metadata regularly

5 Collaborate and learn from others

6 Experiment and innovate with new technologies and methods

7 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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