5.2: Selecting Metadata Sets

This section explains how to specify metadata elements and how to add metadata sets to your collection.

Contents

Simple Instructions: Adding a metadata set Advanced Instructions: Updating a set Creating new sets Exporting a set

Simple Instructions:

Sets of predefined metadata elements are known as "metadata sets". An example is the Dublin Core metadata set. When you add a metadata set to your collection, its elements become available for selection. You can have more than one set; to prevent name clashes a short identifier that identifies the metadata set is pre-pended to the element name. For instance the Dublin Core element Creator becomes "dc.Creator". Metadata sets are stored in the Librarian Interface's metadata folder and have the suffix ".mds".

To add a metadata set, choose "Metadata Sets" from the menu bar and select the "Import Set" action. A list appears that shows the sets stored in the Librarian Interface's metadata folder. Choose one and open it, or click "Browse" to locate metadata set files stored elsewhere. If the metadata elements have associated value trees, you will be asked whether to import all values associated with the elements in the set, just those values that make up the structure of hierarchy-based metadata, or no values at all.

Advanced Instructions:

To install a newer version of a metadata set, simply add it as above. The Librarian Interface merges the sets, but does not alter values you have entered. You may be asked how to merge certain elements. For example if the current set and the one you are importing share a common element (which is likely if you are installing a new version of a set), you are shown as much information about the existing and new elements as possible, and asked how to proceed. Options include merging the elements, renaming the new one, replacing the old element entirely, or skipping this element. When merging two elements you are confronted with the same options, but this time at the "attributes" (rather than "elements") level. You can cancel the import operation at any time.

The ".mds" files are expressed in XML format. You can edit an existing metadata set or create a new one with an ordinary text editor. If you are starting a new file, copy the Document Type Definition and be sure to follow it, otherwise the Librarian Interface will be unable to load the metadata set. Use of an XML validator or validating editor is recommended.

To export a metadata set, or part of one (e.g. its assigned value hierarchy, or all its values), return to the Librarian Interface and choose "Export Set" from the "Metadata Set" menu. You will be asked to select appropriate export options, and a file to export into.