Metadata Principles

Traditionally the term metadata comprises "data about data", thus all information which is available in a specific context to describe an item/resource of interest. The following pages will provide entry points for the usage of metadata in eScience project like eSciDoc.

Introduction

What is metadata about?

• Tim Berners-Lee: Axioms of Web Architecture: Metadata (1997)
• Metadata Server, SUB
• Metadata primer, NSDL

Terminology

Try to clear up following terms:

• Data model

• Content Model

• Profile / Metadata Profile

• Application Profile
  "In DCMI usage, an application profile is a declaration of the metadata terms an organization, information resource, application, or user community uses in its metadata. In a broader sense, it includes the set of metadata elements, policies, and guidelines defined for a particular application or implementation." see http://dublincore.org/documents/usageguide/glossary.shtml

• Metadata set

• Metadata specification
  In eSciDoc, the metadata specification lists the elements used

• Elements - values; Complex elements.

• Encoding schemas

• Label vs. name
  The label is the string used on the interface?

• Item; item types etc.

Enhanced Science

Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek

National Science Digital Library

Dublin Core Metadata Initiative

Enhanced Scientific Documentation