Measuring Metadata Quality: A User Research Approach
Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Book Chapter
Organizational Units
University Libraries
Keywords
Metadata, Tagging, User generated metadata
Abstract
The idea of centering metadata creation around user needs dates to Ranganathan’s law to “save the time of the user.” However, in the library literature, this conversation has mostly focused on user-generated metadata, and for good reason. Tagging functions, wiki-a-thons, community events, and input from subject specialists are all methods for gathering metadata that have been implemented and written about extensively. These are great methods for several reasons, including application of natural language in search and retrieval, expert depth in describing materials, and application of authorized name and subject headings that reflect inclusive practices.
Recommended Citation
Elzi, E. & Clair, K. (2020). Measuring metadata quality: A user research approach. In S. Marien (Ed.), Library Technical Services: Adapting to a Changing Environment (pp. 35-48). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvs1g8h5.6