Assessing the Value of Metadata in Information Services

TLDR: This column explores notions of value in libraries in general and information services specifically and considers ways in which one key service, metadata, has been used as a measure of library value.

Abstract: While it is common for communities to value their libraries and other information institutions, measuring both the overall value of an institution and the value of its specific information services can be difficult, particularly in a rapidly changing environment in which the relevance of these services and allocation of resources can change in very short periods of time. This column explores notions of value in libraries in general and information services specifically and considers ways in which one key service, metadata, has been used as a measure of library value. In turn, the column also explores how metadata work itself is valued in light of increasing use of automated and outsourced metadata acquisition, processing and discovery platforms. Staying focused on the changing value of metadata, the column concludes by considering the impact of current value measures as well as new measures in supporting decision making and resource allocation for metadata related services.