Quality Metadata: Reinventing Service

Abstract

Did you know that quality metadata, in the long-term, can save digital libraries and collections both time and money? Have you ever given thought to what quality metadata means to your system, and more importantly, to your users? Metadata practices and best practices can be the difference between consistent, usable records of high quality, supporting user convenience, and records that are inscrutable at home and lacking interoperability with other repositories. As researchers and practicing librarians, we will explore the importance of reinventing metadata. What is quality metadata? Our study, funded by the University of Missouri, was conducted in spring of 2014 and assessed attitudes and practices regarding quality metadata in repositories across the United States. Come hear what practitioners consider to be quality metadata and see examples of outstanding Missouri repositories and digital libraries taking part in the metadata revolution. Learn how reinventing metadata affects both you and your patrons, too. Learn how reinventing patron services ultimately requires the creation and use of quality metadata.