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Introduction

The UNT Libraries' metadata element set comprises Dublin Core-based descriptive metadata and detailed technical and preservation information recording how digital resources (text, image, audio, video) are identified, created, formatted, arranged in relevant software applications, and sustained with application of appropriate preservation procedures. While promoting interoperability with widely accepted standards, the recommended UNT Libraries' metadata elements allow flexibility at the local level to integrate with existing and anticipated content, processes, and systems.  Some elements are optional because of the difficulty of collecting and maintaining some specific types of information.  However, the fact that some elements are optional should not be interpreted as an indication that these metadata are unimportant, and we urge users to create the most complete metadata records possible.

The UNT Libraries' Metadata Initiative progressed on many fronts, including testing and implementation of the UNT Libraries' metadata system, on which the Portal to Texas History system is based.  As the metadata work group gains practical experience in describing objects with the recommended elements, the UNT Libraries' metadata system continues to evolve. This (version-2) guideline is a product of a series of revision activities. It should be noted that in order to comply with changing internal and external standards and needs, the UNT Libraries' metadata creation guideline will remain under continuous review.

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the metadata elements, please contact Daniel Gelaw Alemneh at daniel.alemneh@unt.edu.

Field Reference Guide



Label:

Name of the element

Sub-Element

Sub-elements (if existing) are linked from here

UNTL Definition

A brief statement that defines the element 

Comment

A comments field provides additional information about the element--including pointers to related documentation. External links appear underlined and in bright blue, and internal links appear bolded, italicized, and underlined.

Required

Indicates whether the element value is:

  • Mandatory,

  • Recommended, or

  • Optional

Repeatable

Indicates if the element is:

  • Repeatable (Yes) or

  • Not repeatable (No)

Data Type

Specification of allowable data type(s):

  • Boolean (A data object which represents whether some condition is true or not. There are only two such objects:

    • <true> i.e "Yes" and

    • <false> i.e. "No".

  • Enumerated Type (Restricted to list or controlled vocabularies; and  values listed are actual values)

  • Date/time (ISO 8601:2004 Data elements and interchange formats-Information interchange)  E.g. YYYY-MM-DD.

  • Reference (a single pointer to another object)

  • String (one or more characters)

  • Scalar (Any quantitative value)

Input Guidelines

Detailed usage notes and explanation that facilitate understanding and practical application of the element.  External links appear underlined and in bright blue, and internal links appear bolded, italicized, and underlined.

Examples

Local examples and clarifications of exceptions. When data type is "Enumerated Type," values listed in the controlled vocabularies are actual values. When data type is "String," detailed examples are provided.

 

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