Interpretive journeys and METS

Abstract

Purpose -To report on initial work carried out on a Metadata Options Appraisal undertaken for the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in the context of plans to create and manage complex digital objects called Interpretive Journeys, PDA-based multimedia guides to Park tours. Design/methodology/approach -After some initial work, a phased approach was adopted. In Phase I (reported here), metadata schema for managing structurally complex digital objects were researched to provide a range of appropriate options. Their characteristics were then matched against the Park's general requirements as determined through discussions with staff and an examination of relevant documentation. Findings -It was determined that the METS metadata schema met Park requirements for managing Interpretive Journeys at a general level and could be used both, to inform the development of the planned Digital Asset Management System (an early priority), and to act as the main basis of a framework for determining a detailed metadata solution for the Park. Research limitations/implications -Further work is required in Phase II to determine the detailed metadata requirement for the Park. Practical implications -A useful guide to dealing with a range of management and metadata issues associated with managing complex digital objects, and to managing projects where guidance on metadata requirements is needed before the objects to be described are available. Originality/value -This paper offers an introduction to the management and metadata issues raised by Interpretive Journeys and digital composites of similar complexity, and an indication of how METS addresses these at a general level.

Knowledge organization trends in library and information studies: a preliminary comparison of the pre- and post-web eras

“…For example, there are reports of metadata being used to enable the sorting of key document characteristics, so that users are able to look for information in a manner that best suits them [99]. Others have used metadata to manage the digital objects present in a multimedia tour of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park [100]. In the e-commerce industry, metadata has been created that enables the user to learn about the quality of a resource.…”