Metadata Application Profile

Link: Metadata Application Profile Documentation

Project Title: Metadata Application Profile for Hemi Video Collection

Project Description: This report is the culmination of work done for INFO 663 Metadata Design. It is documentation for the development of a Metadata Application Profile (MAP) for a collection of materials from the Hemispheric Institute of Performance and Politics (Hemi). It includes an outline of functional requirements, project principles as expressed through the domain model, an element set, cataloging guidelines, and a crosswalk to Digital Public Library of America’s (DPLA) application profile.

Methods: As a group we analysed our collection material to inform our project principles and functional requirements from both content creators and user-centered perspectives. We then drafted a domain model that informed our development of an element set pulled from PBCore and EBUCore. We researched metadata schemas and controlled vocabularies that best fit our collection material and functionality. The element set was then translated into a catalog entry form in AirTable that was used by our classmates to catalog our materials. After receiving user feedback and utilizing OpenRefine to assess our metadata quality we noted areas for improvement and updated our MAP documentation.

My Role: I worked with three classmates to collaboratively formulate our project principles, conduct research to inform our selection of element sets, develop guidelines, crosswalk to DPLA, and reviewed each other's work to cumulatively create this report. Another classmate and I worked together to resolve application discrepancies. I utilized Airtable to implement our element set and the creation of our catalog entry form, as well as copy editing our documentation, formatting, and finalizing the MAP report for submission.

Learning Outcome Achieved: Foundations of Libraries Information Studies

Rationale: Developing a metadata application profile required applying core concepts and theories to an information collection. We started with conducting subject analysis on a collection of information objects, which influenced how we organized metadata and access for these materials. Having an understanding of both the audiovisual material and our user-needs shaped the types of metadata schemas we used in our element set. Developing the catalog entry form we considered the user-needs of our catalogers for the entry form interface in AirTable and the clarity of our guidelines. We learned how to assess metadata collection against quality and industry standards. Creating a crosswalk to DPLA highlighted the importance of creating MAPs with interoperability and harvesting in mind. This project demonstrates my understanding of core concepts and their application in the library information field. It shows an understanding of the importance of documentation, ethical considerations for copyright, use, and upholding transparent decision making practices.