Showing papers in "Journal of Library Metadata in 2012"
TL;DR: The article discusses the future of universal bibliographic control in the context of the Semantic Web, illustrated with examples drawn from IFLA standards such as FRBR and ISBD, and other international Standards such as Dublin Core and RDA.
Abstract: The article discusses the future of universal bibliographic control in the context of the Semantic Web. Resource Description Framework RDF), the basis of the Semantic Web, allows the replacement of attempts at one-size-fits-all schema, rules and other international/global standards with what might be termed an all-sizes-fit-one approach, as shown by the example of VIAF (Virtual International Authority File). This approach can support a much richer ecology of bibliographic communities and their standards, achieved by establishing the semantic mapping of individual properties, and sets of properties (or RDF graphs), to form a connected web into which legacy metadata and newly-minted statements can be deposited. Such deposits are made at the natural level of the source standard, preserving local granularity, semantic focus, context, and the data itself, using one-to-one RDF representations of the standard. The web of semantic links then allows this data to be readily assimilated into a universal, web-scale e...
28 citations
TL;DR: A review of the author, title, publisher, and publication year metadata elements for 400 randomly selected Google Books records showed 36% of sampled books in the digitization project contained metadata errors, higher than one would expect to find in a typical library online catalog.
Abstract: This article reports on a study of error rates found in the metadata records of texts scanned by the Google Books digitization project. A review of the author, title, publisher, and publication year metadata elements for 400 randomly selected Google Books records was undertaken. The results show 36% of sampled books in the digitization project contained metadata errors. This error rate is higher than one would expect to find in a typical library online catalog.
25 citations
TL;DR: Results of a study that used FRBR model as an analytical framework in examination of user search queries in a large-scale digital library provide empirical data to inform the development of RDA sections that cover subject access, particularly subject entities and relationships.
Abstract: One of the central functions of bibliographic control is providing subject access. However, numerous studies conducted over decades have shown that users routinely experience problems with subject access in library catalogs and databases. These problems are often due to inadequate quality of subject metadata, which is greatly influenced by complexity of subject representation. The fact that major cataloging standards (e.g., AACR2 and its predecessors) have been overlooking the importance of subject access and have not addressed subject cataloging is arguably one of the reasons behind problems in organization of subject access. The new cataloging code—Resource Description and Access (RDA)—attempts to fill this gap. Upon examination of how subject access is addressed in RDA and its underlying conceptual models that specify functional requirements for bibliographic control—FRBR, FRAD, and FRSAD—this article presents results of a study that used FRBR model as an analytical framework in examination of user sea...
20 citations
TL;DR: This study examined the preliminary training that has occurred and will occur in the future, as well as the perceptions of cataloging department heads toward RDA, and found that many of the essential components for RDA training have been included in preliminary training.
Abstract: This study examined the preliminary training that has occurred and will occur in the future, as well as the perceptions of cataloging department heads toward RDA (Resource Description and Access) in American academic libraries. Previous research indicates that the successful adoption of new cataloging rules relies on the strength and elements included in the training offered to and required of individuals in the library cataloging community. This study found that many of the essential components for RDA training have been included in preliminary training. Now that a decision has been made by the Library of Congress, this study identified room for improvement in some areas of RDA training prior to adoption.
16 citations
TL;DR: This study examines results of the U.S. RDA test, some basic principles of adult learning theory, and currently available training materials in order to consider what is most beneficial to practitioners in developing professional fluency and identity and what changes can be made to serve that end.
Abstract: Significant changes in both the cataloging code and our mode of recording metadata are slated to take place in the coming months and years. These changes give us an unprecedented opportunity to change our teaching strategies and our attitudes towards lifelong workplace learning for the better. In this study, we examine results of the U.S. RDA test, some basic principles of adult learning theory, and currently available training materials in order to consider what is most beneficial to practitioners in developing professional fluency and identity and what changes can be made to serve that end.
14 citations
TL;DR: In Fall 2010, in the Music Library at the University of North Texas, a subgroup of the full-time music catalogers were both participating in the U.S. National RDA Test and overseeing the cataloging of a large gift of scores.
Abstract: This article discusses Resource Description and Access (RDA) and new catalogers' errors in Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd ed. (AACR2).
13 citations
TL;DR: The article begins by describing the possible characteristics of a catalog interface built to leverage a future FRBR bibliographic framework and discussing the viability of a FRBR-ized catalog interface, then examines current trends in interface design.
Abstract: The article begins by describing the possible characteristics of a catalog interface built to leverage a future FRBR bibliographic framework and discussing the viability of a FRBR-ized catalog interface. The author then examines current trends in interface design, which leverage conventional cataloging data structures. This survey of the literature is followed by recommendations for adapting cataloging practices to enhance the efficacy of current interface designs. The author concludes by proposing that catalogers have a choice to make about the direction of functional cataloging initiatives.
12 citations
TL;DR: This study develops conceptual themes that emerged and reveals the role ascribed to Web 2.0 and to semantic web technologies in libraries and the importance of enriching information objects with metadata that better conveys the various perspectives of users.
Abstract: This article aims to contribute to the discussion on user-generated metadata. It presents the perspectives of eleven purposefully selected library and information science (LIS) academics and postgraduates on optimality of standards-based versus socially constructed metadata approaches and develops conceptual themes that emerged, which include the obsolescence of the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) in relation to web search engines, the preference of users for searching versus browsing, and the proliferation of extant metadata standards resulting in interoperability challenges. This study also reveals the role ascribed to Web 2.0 and to semantic web technologies in libraries and the importance of enriching information objects with metadata that better conveys the various perspectives of users. Finally, the importance of underpinning metadata decisions with sound theoretical foundations is identified.
12 citations
TL;DR: A new way of cataloging serials using linked data and Resource Description Framework (RDF) is proposed, as well as how the concepts of Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) can be expanded to apply to journal content at both the journal level and the article level.
Abstract: This article proposes a new way of cataloging serials using linked data and Resource Description Framework (RDF), as well as how the concepts of Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) can be expanded to apply to journal content at both the journal level and the article level, all with an eye toward ease of access and understanding for users.
11 citations
TL;DR: The analysis indicates the absence of conceptual authority control model in molecular bioinformatics, which can inform librarians and educators of the need for and approaches to authority control in molecular biology.
Abstract: This article analyzes the authority control practices in molecular biology using literature review and scenario analysis and makes a comparison with bibliographic authority control. The analysis indicates the absence of conceptual authority control model in molecular bioinformatics. In addition to traditional knowledge organization tools, authority control in molecular biology requires the use of reference sequences and version numbers to identify entities and keep track of entity changes. The identified authority control issues are conceptualized as quality problems caused by four sources. This study can inform librarians and educators of the need for and approaches to authority control in molecular biology.
11 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of emails sent to an e-forum on RDA in the UK in April 2011 found topical concerns were found to be the same as for U.S. RDA testers, although accompanied by "vague concerns" about whether they were acting quickly enough.
Abstract: Methodology: Action research. Analysis of emails sent to an e-forum on RDA in the UK in April 2011. Emails were assigned tags based on contents. Email addresses were analyzed for sector. The resource list co-created by participants was analyzed for format and country of creator(s). Findings: More than 200 people subscribed and received 195 emails sent by 38 individuals about current actions; training; training needs; the hybrid catalog and cataloger judgment; implementation; productivity; the RDA Toolkit; MARC and FRBR. Topical concerns were found to be the same as for U.S. RDA testers, although accompanied by “vague concerns” about whether they were acting quickly enough.
TL;DR: A survey of cataloging, metadata, and web content specialists across a spectrum of libraries as mentioned in this paper reported the results of a survey of metadata to content within their Web Content Management Systems. Practices, workflows, and barriers to successful implementation of metadata strategies are addressed.
Abstract: The author reports the results of a survey of cataloging, metadata, and Web content specialists across a spectrum of libraries, regarding their application of metadata to content within their Web Content Management Systems. Practices, workflows, and barriers to successful implementation of metadata strategies are addressed. The text concludes with potential strategies for overcoming these barriers and linking the often uncataloged deep content in these systems to the linked open Web.
TL;DR: A recent digital project undertaken at the University of Montana provides an example of how research and developments in the area of metadata and bibliographic control have influenced cataloging and metadata workflow integration.
Abstract: The life of a cataloger today is in a state of flux; as libraries continue to transition from a predominately print world to a digital one, catalogers need to secure a functional future. To do so catalogers must change their mental models to stay flexible and pertinent in an ever-changing information environment. A recent digital project undertaken at the University of Montana provides an example of how research and developments in the area of metadata and bibliographic control have influenced cataloging and metadata workflow integration.
TL;DR: A radical rethinking of traditional conceptions of the work, text, and information is required if the authors are to have a new vision of “the library,” especially one that truly approaches a “universe of knowledge.”
Abstract: The frictions present in the philosophical underpinnings of bibliographic control in libraries are discussed by examining the treatment of the concepts of works and texts in the literature of bibliographic control against the theories of works and texts as developed by critical theorists such as Barthes, Deleuze and Guattari, and Hayles. A radical rethinking of traditional conceptions of the work, text, and information is required if we are to have a new vision of “the library,” especially one that truly approaches a “universe of knowledge.”
TL;DR: The BCS as an information classification structure, how it can improve government information management regardless of shared information repository types, and its costs and benefits are explored.
Abstract: In an effort to improve government information management, people in Canadian government organizations have implemented a number of information management initiatives that are designed to meet the needs of their organizations. Industry Canada is developing its own information classification methodology, known as Business-based Classification Structure (BCS). BCS is unique in the sense that it is a function-based structure, as opposed to widely used subject-based structures. This article will explore the BCS as an information classification structure, how it can improve government information management regardless of shared information repository types, and its costs and benefits.
TL;DR: Through a basic review of the language death process, it is identified where in the death process MARC is and what role language planning could and should play in future decision making.
Abstract: The environmental and cultural factors that typically accompany language death are examined to determine if those traits are exhibited in the alleged death of MARC. In addition to measuring language prestige, usage, and change, we must also examine politics and identity. Politics impact languages as every nation creates and lives by a language policy. The role that language planning plays in creating, exacerbating, or minimizing MARC's death is examined. Through a basic review of the language death process, we identify where in the death process MARC is and what role language planning could and should play in future decision making.
TL;DR: The System of Professions theory is used to understand how technology has changed Cataloging work in academic libraries, and if the functional future of bibliographic control could change cataloging work.
Abstract: Abbott's (1988) The System of Professions theory is used to understand how technology has changed cataloging work in academic libraries, and if the functional future of bibliographic control could change cataloging work. Abbott says technology can destroy and create professional work. Technology has somewhat destroyed professional cataloging work by enabling more efficient cataloging processes. Professional cataloging work has been passed to nonprofessional staff and vendors. The Web has created new forms of metadata work, but catalogers and metadata librarians may be competing for it. Cataloging must claim new work to survive.
TL;DR: Results indicate that depending on the kind of error investigated and the resource for which metadata is created, training may or may not have an effect on errors in metadata records.
Abstract: Previous studies relate the lack of adequate metadata training with errors often found in metadata records. Due to lack of empirical evidence, such a relationship is not well understood. In this study, metadata records created by individuals who have not received any metadata training are compared to records created by individuals who have received metadata training. The aim is to investigate the relationship that exists between training and errors in metadata records. Using a 2×2×4 mixed experimental group design, 120 participants were asked to use Dublin Core to create records for a web page, an image, a document, and a video. Records were analyzed on the basis of the total number of errors and on the basis of four kinds of errors: incorrect value, incorrect element, inconsistent value, and incomplete information. Results indicate that depending on the kind of error investigated and the resource for which metadata is created, training may or may not have an effect on errors in metadata records. Implicat...
TL;DR: The results of the study revealed that respondents have a better understanding of the content of textual documents at their second attempt than at their first attempt and were able to give better and clearer metadata for a text of a general nature than for aText of a specialized nature.
Abstract: Our aim was to measure the level of metadata integrity emanating from textual documents in order to ascertain whether the data contained in the original document remained an accurate reflection of the metadata that emanated from the original document. The results of the study revealed that respondents have a better understanding of the content of textual documents at their second attempt than at their first attempt. Also, respondents were able to give better and clearer metadata for a text of a general nature than for a text of a specialized nature. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
TL;DR: Three possible ways to use CERIF and METS in conjunction are examined and possible changes of approach to the METS standard are suggested to resolve some of the problems that arise.
Abstract: The article examines the potential for using the Common European Research Information Format in conjunction with the Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard to provide contextual information for a digital research output. Both are key standards within their respective communities (the former in research information management, the latter in digital library metadata), but each employs a different approach to information architecture, which renders their combination problematic, The article examines three possible ways to use CERIF and METS in conjunction and suggests possible changes of approach to the METS standard to resolve some of the problems that arise.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss metadata and standards for their effect on serials bibliographic control, and distinguish standards from recommended practices and maintain that a broader librarian participation in developing standards benefits all relevant groups.
Abstract: The evolution of libraries to the online format has significant implications for serials acquisitions and work flows. From an acquisitions perspective, the recent development of standards and recommended practices by numerous organizations aims at bibliographic control of the online format including the underlying metadata for accessing full text. This article discusses metadata and standards for their effect on serials bibliographic control. Our literature review reveals the colloquial use of the word standards, about which we strive for a more precise delineation. We distinguish standards from recommended practices and maintain that a broader librarian participation in developing standards benefits all relevant groups.
TL;DR: The author proposes a schema and process of emergent metadata that will, if successful, allow metadata to respond to environmental conditions dynamically and to exhibit self-organizational features.
Abstract: While metadata is a key ingredient of machine-semantic technologies, it has drawbacks. As it is currently formed, metadata lacks dynamic responsiveness and requires top-down system modeling. The author proposes a schema and process of emergent metadata that will, if successful, allow metadata to respond to environmental conditions dynamically and to exhibit self-organizational features.