metadata

When browsing a collection of really cool digital images, it can be easy to claim ignorance of the important role metadata plays in navigating a digital collection. To be honest, not many folks show a real passion for understanding and exploring why metadata matters so much. But, it truly is a very important part of any digital collection and I'd like to focus on one aspect of why it plays such an important role. In the recent workshop we held at UNLV, one question came up repeatedly, "Okay, so metadata is important. Well, what exactly is good metadata and what can good metadata do for me?" I have located a great article (mentioned in the workshop) that addresses this subject. Moving Towards Shareable Metadata concisely describes not only the importance of metadata, but some practical ways to create shareable metadata.