Metadata: An Introduction and Practical Guide

What is metadata and what do I need to know about it? These are two key questions for the information professional operating in the digital age as more and more information resources are available in electronic format. This collection of essays looks at the theory and practice of metadata and examines key developments in this area, both in terms of policy and technology. Coverage focuses on experiences in Europe and the USA, but global initiatives are included where appropriate and chapters include consideration of international and multi-lingual issues. Subjects discussed include the following: standardization of metadata; the need for interoperability; resource discovery; the Dublin Core Initiative and its implementation; information gateways; the relationship between traditional cataloguing theory and practice and the requirements of the Internet; technologies and standards to manipulate metadata; collaborative cataloguing; interactions between publishers, libraries and national bibliographic agencies; metadata and digital preservation; metadata and intellectual property rights; use of metadata in museums and archiving services; and future trends.

The guide should be useful to network-oriented librarians and information workers in all sections, and for LIS students. In addition it should provide suitable background reading for computer staff supporting information services. Publishers, policy makers and practitioners in other curatorial disciplines such as museums and archiving should also find information of relevance to their role.