Wikipedia article on database:
I found this article to be very helpful since we are discussing databases in my other classes. A library database seems to be a fusion of several different types of databases since libraries use integrated systems and often include the holdings of other branches.
"Introduction to Metadata" by Anne J. Gilliland
I found this article to be very helpful, too, since metadata is also a topic in my other classes. One thing I found interesting is how the author notes that the creation of metadata used to be reserved to information professionals, but now ordinary people are creating metadata on the Web through tagging. I've worked as a cataloger before and also tagged items on my own websites, so I have a personal view of both the professional and layperson methods used to create metadata. I found the rules of cataloging to be downright strange sometimes -- and not overtly helpful to the end user -- so I am interested in the role that tagging may take on as it becomes a more accepted way of labelling items or websites.
Another thing I found interesting was when the author noted that different communities in academics have different metadata languages and standards. This is an example of how different disciplines in academics have barriers that inhibit them from communicating with each other. As the Internet increases collaboration between different disciplines, it will be interesting to see if a common, shared metadata standard develops to enhance interdisciplinary communication.
"An Overview of the Dublin Core Data Model" by Eric J. Miller
I enjoyed reading this because I keep hearing about Dublin Core but I was never really sure what it was. I'm not a tech savy person, but I get the basics of Dublin Core as a means of cataloging electronic resources.
Hey there!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your comment on the hopeful prospects of metadata. I too hope that the barriers between disciplines will be knocked down (some of them already are), and hopefully it will create a better learning experience for users. I'm also curious about tagging in respect to cataloging books and other materials. Do you think tagging will take over as the new cataloging system?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that "tagging" of books is really an effective way to input metadata into a catalog? I'm really conflicted, as tagging can sometimes bring up some really strange and varied vocabularies. BUT, a lot of people now look for tags when searching sites. It is really seen as the norm now.
The best way that I can see tagging work is more on the "end-user" side. It would be nice if perhaps a patron does a search, and then is allowed to input their own tag into the OPAC. Then patrons can follow each others searches. I'm not really if it would be good for the "professionals" to do it though....
I really like that tagging is being done by the average Jane/Joe on the street now. And I really like Marc's idea of maybe letting patrons do their own tag into OPAC! I'd never even thought of that! I'm not sure how practical that would be or exactly how it would be implemented, but I certainly am intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI hope tagging will be incorporated into new cataloging systems. I guess thinking it over these past few days (as we've discussed tagging in my classes), I've decided I'd like to see a cataloging system that has controlled vocabulary but which also allows the user to tag. Then, let the user decide whether they want to search controlled terms only, tags only, or both simultaneously.
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