Currier-Assignment 4- Information Organization

Gail Currier

5033/Rubenstein

October 22, 2017

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Introduction: In an era that is becoming primarily digitalized, progression of metadata is

becoming an important aspect of categorizing information. Simply put, metadata is defined as

“data about data” (Bawden 2013, 108-109). This refers to the description or characteristic of a

particular piece of information and represents large collections of books, databases, documents,

music, and websites, to name a few. A single object resembling a name or date can be outlined

in the data and it serves users who need to distinguish resources (Bawden 2013, 109). Metadata

and the digital age are allowing citizens effortless access to information world-wide. In addition,

it is easy to add metadata to existing data as needed. In order to understand the relevance of

metadata and its importance to the information society, one must understand its role in storing

information and explore and research the position of metadata as it pertains to information

science and its growing profession.

Literature Review: In Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, author Brian Scottlaender looks

at the characteristics of metadata and how the functions are necessary in the information

environment. First, Schottlaender states that metadata is characterizing the entire information

universe in which we live (Schottlaender, 2003, 20). And, as information resources increase, the

data also becomes more specific and often, more complicated. Metadata is everywhere, existing

in a multitude of areas consumers utilize on a daily basis including the music industry, retail

businesses, and the Internet. This digital information is requiring updated standards for

translating specific information. The most familiar organizational methods used to catalog data

include MARC, SGML, HTML and XML (Bawden 2013, 109). While many librarians are

familiar with MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging), which describes bibliographic data,

SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) is used to describe the arrangement of

documents. The process becomes more complicated as the demands grow and change. Another
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common markup language is HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) while XML (Extensible

Markup Language) is considered much simpler by users (Schottlaender 2003, 21).

Whereas automation is shifting the duties of cataloging, the many duties of cataloging are

moving towards data. One example of this shift is the number of job postings listed for

catalogers compared with that of metadata professionals being sought. An article relating to

metadata professionals describes changes in the library profession and addresses how important

classifying digital content has become. The article included a study that reported the adjustments

in job titles, duties, and the proficiencies necessary to manage electronic and digital collections

(Park 2009, 146). In addition, “expectations” from management towards new employees are also

changing (Park 2009, 146). While focusing on these modifications, a survey was conducted by

Buttlar and Garcha of 500 catalogers to define how jobs have changed from 1987-1997. The

survey discovered that catalogers had increased responsibilities in several areas including

audiovisual and electronic resources, web site design, database management, and general

administration tasks (Park 2009, 146). Metadata creation was listed as a critical component of

catalogers as well. The report concluded that the profession of cataloging has changed due to the

advancement in technology and the development of electronic resources (Park 2009, 147).

Discussion: As the number of metadata categories is growing, including personal information,

security, commercial information, and preservation, managing the content is also changing. The

four essential types of metadata include “descriptive, administrative, technical, and rights”

(Schottlaender 2003, 22). While some elements are able to describe a set of data components,

digital objects such as music are facilitating additional metadata needs. The art community is

also in need of implementing new metadata guidelines. As the Internet attracts millions of users

each day, it is imperative that commercial search engines such as Google and Internet Explorer
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remain instrumental in handling and organizing various metadata standards. Most users are

familiar with URL (Universal Resource Locator). This feature is typically the beginning of a

website’s name. One problem that URLs have is the tendency to change frequently

(Schottlaender 2003, 24). As a result, the metadata defining the website must be updated as well.

Catalogers should be in the forefront of developing metadata for access purposes. However,

rules and guidelines must be established and enforced by industry professionals to ensure smooth

transitions. Content standards are uncommon outside of the library industry. Therefore, various

communities and information professionals should remain closely tied to identify needs for

classifying information. Another challenge is that of e-documents and security. As printed

materials become digitalized, controlling the content may become a problem. With such a wide

range of areas, metadata standards have to be put in place in order for information to have the

ability to be exchanged. As a result, metadata will allow the information to be used to its full

potential.

Those entering the field of information science should be aware of the changing roles in

classifying information. Job titles were researched in the study to determine how the trend is

moving towards metadata management and metadata cataloger positions. It was noted that these

two positions were listed in more than 50% of the job announcements (Park 2009, 147). This

indicates that metadata professionals have to be willing to adjust to changes in technology and

keep up-to-date on metadata specifications. General cataloging positions listed required

assignments and duties similar to metadata professionals (Park 2009, 152).

Conclusion: Library information skills are reaping attention from countless businesses and

industries including health and medicine, retail, supply chains, the Internet, and more. Because
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digital information is the center of personal lives and businesses, most everything is run on

metadata. Businesses use metadata for inventory, purchasing, audits, and other business needs.

As a result, partnerships are forming to design standards for managing metadata. Metadata is

helping libraries and librarians as they become more digitalized and the role of this job is not

only changing, but critical. Every business and industry is now dependent upon metadata and

these industries are asking librarians for recommendations on how to manage the data and how

to set standards for the industry to be able to exchange data in a variety of ways. The goal is to

put metadata to work in all aspects of life. All professions and industries will eventually increase

their usage of metadata management tools. The future of cataloging will continue to foster the

information society and serve an assortment of collections.

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Bibliography

Bawden, David, and Lyn Robinson. 2013. “Information Organization.” In Introduction to

Information Science, 105-126. Chicago: Neil-Shuman.

Park, Jung-ran and Caimei Lu. 2009. “Metadata Professionals: Roles and Competencies as

Reflected in Job Announcements, 2003-2006.” Cataloging & Classification Quarterly

47, no. 2 (January): 145-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01639370802575575.

Schottlaender, Brian E. C. 2003. “Why Metadata? Why Me? Why Now?” Cataloging &

Classification Quarterly 36, no. 3-4 (2003): 19-29.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J104v36n03_03.