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.

Why is metadata important?

The following papers provide an good introduction to this question

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

Metadata principles

The following principles have been provided by Traugott:

• It is important to formulate requirements and usage scenarios motivating metadata solutions

• There should be an explicit data model

• The solution must be formed in accordance with the Dublin Core Abstract Model (DCAM)

• Namespaces, vocabularies and persistent resource identifiers must be established and maintained

• It must be documented as an Application Profile according to the CEN standard

• It should be compatible with the Eprints Application Profile

• The format should follow DC encoding guidelines, incl. the evolving versions for the DCAM

• Test usage and evaluation, both reg. creation and retrieval, is needed for iterative design improvements

• The solution should be submitted to the KIM working group for advice and future certification

• Metadata creation, quality assurance and enhancement tools are necessary

• It must be made possible to access the metadata via standardised protocols such as OAI

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

Comitée européen de normalisation

Dublin Core

Dublin Core Abstract Model

Kompetenzzentrum Interoperable Metadaten

Open Archives Initiative

Dublin Core Metadata Initiative

Enhanced Scientific Documentation