Metadata- Part 2
Another way of defining metadata is to say that “metadata are the information attached to digital objects” (”Digital Asset Management” in Museum Registration Methods pg. 188).
Metadata is broken down into 5 types:
1) Administrative: this is any data that gives the user information about managing the object from an administrative level. This includes data about how the object was acquired, location information, and legal documentation.
2) Descriptive: this is any data that can be used to describe or identify the object. This includes information about the creator(s) of the object, the date/date range the object was created, and a description of the object.
3) Preservation: this is any data that talks about preserving and managing the object for its future in the collection. This includes information regarding the condition of the object and any actions taken to preserve the object (which can include digitizing and upgrades to the digital files).
4) Technical: this is any data that talks about the functions of the system that houses the object and the object record. This includes information regarding the hardware, software, and passwords used.
5) Use: This is any data related to how the objected is used by the museum. This includes information about its location (and any movements), search logs for the object and its record, and records relating to any exhibits in which the object has been used.
In the next post, I will talk about how all these categories play out in a object’s record.
