Sets of predefined elements known as 'metadata sets' can be loaded from the Librarian Interface's directory. 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 prepended to the element name. For instance the Dublin Core element Creator becomes dc_Creator.

To add a metadata set, open the [M]etadata menu from the menu bar and select the [A]dd Metadata Set action. You will be presented with an Open File Prompt (just like the Open Collection Prompt discussed earlier) that shows the contents of the Librarian Interface's metadata directory. Choose an '.mds' or metadata set file and open it. Next you will be prompted as to whether you wish to import all of the values associated with the elements in this set, just those values that make up the structure of hierarchy-based metadata, or no values at all. When you return to the Enrich view the element ComboBox will now show the appropriate entries.

To install a newer version of a metadata set, simply add it as above. The Librarian Interface uses some simple strategies for merging the two sets, and will not lose track of values you have entered. You may however be prompted as to how to merge certain elements. For example if a currently available set and the set you are importing have an element of the same name (which is most likely if you are installing a new version of a set), you will be presented with a prompt showing as much information about the existing and new elements as possible, and providing you with several options on how to proceed with the merging. These options include merging the two elements, renaming the new element so there is no longer a clash, replacing the old element entirely, or not adding this element by skipping it. Merging the elements provides basically the same options, but at an element attributes level. You may of course choose to cancel the metadata set import at any time.

The ".mds" files themselves are expressed in XML format. To edit an existing metadata set, or to create a brand new one, you can use an ordinary text editor. If you are starting a new file, copy the Document Type Definition (the text within the tag) to the top of your new file and ensure that you follow it, otherwise the Librarian Interface will be unable to load your metadata set. Use of an XML validator or validating editor is recommended.

If you know XML, the text itself will look familiar. It comprises a series of tags between '<' and '>' symbols. Each opening tag is closed by a correspondingly-named closing tag, which contains the same name preceded by '/'. For example, ....

Any time you want to export a metadata set, or part of a metadata set (e.g. its assigned value hierarchy, or all its values), return to the Librarian Interface and choose [E]xport Metadata Set from the [M]etadata menu. A prompt will ask you to select appropriate export options, and a file to export into.