A theory of digital library metadata : enrich then filter
The document presents a theory of enriching digital library metadata through a social constructivist approach, then filtering it for users. It discusses limitations of current standards-based approaches and the need to incorporate socially constructed metadata. The theory is based on interviews with 57 librarians, students, and lecturers. It proposes separating metadata content enrichment, as a continuous process, from interface filtering. Enrichment should move from user-centered to user-driven and involve diverse metadata that better meets users' needs through seamless linking. The goal is "useful" rather than "perfect" metadata, with post-hoc user-driven filtering. The presenter provides an example of implementing this theory at Southampton Solent University Library.
A theory of digital library metadata : enrich then filter
- 1. An Emergent Theory of Digital Library Metadata: Enrich then Filter Getaneh Alemu (PhD) Cataloguing & Metadata Librarian Southampton Solent University @getaneha Paper presented at QQML-2016 - Exploring Trends and Challenges on Building the Future Libraries May 27th 2016, London
- 2. Why is metadata important?
- 4. Research context (Coyle, 2010; Coyle & Hillmann, 2007; Lagoze, 2010; Mathes, 2004; Shirky, 2005; Veltman, 2001; Weinberger, 2005, 2007; Wright, 2007; Lehmann, 2010; Andersen & Skouvig, 2006.; Floridi, 2000; Hjorland, 2000) Growing library collections Ever changing technologies Changing users’ expectations Limitations of contemporary standards-based metadata approaches The social space of documents is missing (Otlet, 1934) Scant use of theories/theoretical frameworks in the inclusion of socially- constructed metadata
- 5. Methodology Alemu, G., Stevens, B., Ross, P. (2012). Towards a conceptual framework for user-driven semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries: A social constructivist approach. New Library World. 113 (1/2), 38-54 Alemu, G., Stevens, B., & Ross, P. (2011). A constructivist grounded theory approach to semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries: preliminary reflections. Paper presented at QQML 2011, Athens. Alemu, G., Stevens, B., Ross, P., & Chandler, J. (2015). The Use of a Constructivist Grounded Theory Method to Explore the Role of Socially-Constructed Metadata (Web 2.0) Approaches. QQML Journal, September 2015 Issue (pp. 517-540). A social constructivist approach Cultural artefacts very often lend themselves to various interpretations and contexts Constructivist grounded theory method (Charmaz, 2006) Theory building rather than testing
- 6. Interviewees Study No. Interviewees Study Total Number Profession Sub-total Study One 11 LIS MSc Students 8 LIS PhD Student 1 LIS Lecturers 2 Study Two 21 Librarians 10 LIS Researchers 5 LIS Lecturers 2 Metadata Consultants 4 Study Three 25 Under-graduate Students (BSC) 5 Post-graduate Students (MSc=4 & PhD=6) 10 Lecturers (other than LIS) 10 Total 57
- 7. A priori metadata cont’d
- 10. The theory of metadata enriching & filtering
- 12. The theory of metadata enriching & filtering Separation of metadata content (enriching) and interface (filtering) Enriching as a continuous process From user-centred to user-driven metadata enriching and filtering Enriching as a continuous process Metadata diversity better conforming to users’ needs Seamless linking ‘Useful’ rather than ‘perfect’ metadata Post-hoc user-driven filtering
- 13. From theory to practice : Southampton Solent University Library We’ve seen increase in our purchase and subscription of e-resources (50/50 spend between print and e-books) RDA implemented Linked Data opportunities – MARC is not dead yet! Library Management Systems – are they adapting? When should we expect LMSs supporting Linked Data such as BIBFRAME?