Metadata

1. Analyzing resource-description needs of libraries, seeking input from interested librarians and discussion via the metamarda-l email reflector;
2. Building a conceptual map (or maps) of the resource-description terrain/landscape and developing models for accessing/using metadata both within and outside the library community;
3. Devising a definition of “metadata” and investigating the interoperability of newly emerging metadata schemes with the cataloging rules (AACR2R) and the USMARC format;
4. Recommending ways in which libraries may best incorporate the use of metadata schemes into the current library methods of resource description and resource discovery; and
5. Recommending, as needed, rule revision to enable interoperability of cataloging (with AACR2R) with metadata schemes.

In July 2000, the Task Force presented its final report to CC:DA and handed over its work to the ALCTS Networked Resources and Metadata Committee, noting that “Library efforts on providing resource description to digital data and especially to such data available over the Web is a field where there is quite obviously much work to do.”The report included some general areas in which such work might be undertaken:

• analyze resource-description needs in terms of future needs;
• develop the conceptual map;
• develop models for accessing and using metadata, based on this map
• propose a definition of “metadata” for the glossary of AACR2R;
• consider changes to AACR2R and MARC 21 that are required in order to catalog digital data correctly and quickly;
• continue to work with seamless user interfaces; and
• work on the matter of how library cataloging relates to the larger world of metadata.

The full report is available on the CC:DA Web site, at:
http://www.ala.org/alcts/organization/ccs/ccda/tf-meta6.html

www.ala.org/alcts/organization/div/nrmc/meta.html
Last modified 12/30/2000 jca