Canadian <Metadata> Forum

Geospatial Metadata -
The View From the Library

Grace Welch
Assistant Chief Librarian, Systems and E-Resources,
Library Network, University of Ottawa

Also available in [PDF 54 KB] (slides) and [PDF 60 KB] (with comments)

GIS in map libraries

• Traditional map library evolving into GIS data centres
• In Canada began collecting data in mid-90's
• Most service now centres on geospatial data: finding, organizing, delivering
• Metadata critical for service delivery

Geospatial metadata evolution

• April 1994, U.S. executive order
• Canada develops own standard
• FGDC becomes Canadian standard for metadata for CGDI
• ISO standard for metadata just available
• Producers slow to adopt and implement

Issues

• Data creators anxious to find & produce data, improve quality
• Concept of metadata foreign to creators
• After the fact activity when created
• Metadata standard complex, daunting (over 300 data elements)
• Institutional efforts to create own metadata tools
• Little appreciation of benefits

Results

• Data collections with little or rudimentary metadata
• Metadata development after the fact = gaps
• Still seen as a chore and not an investment
• Long term re-use of data seriously compromised
• Libraries becoming metadata creators

Challenges for librarians

• Understanding complex, technical information
• How to best make information available (e.g. catalogue records)
• Educating producers/creators about importance
• Educating students (future creators)
• Filling in the gaps

Some improvement

• Availability of ArcCatalog
• Development of web mapping applications and discovery portals
• ”Metadata” no longer strange concept
• Some training available
• GIS students now being trained  -  next generation of data creators

What can librarians do

• Develop & share metadata for existing collections
• Identify cooperative opportunities, e.g. between libraries, Penn State U. model
• Share expertise
• Continue to educate producers/users
• Promote information management practices

Opportunities for future

• Begin dialogue between diverse communities
• Share information management expertise with data producers
• Identify opportunities to share workload & expertise e.g. participate in metadata creation