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Standards Framework Report #1

[ contents | section 1 | section 3 | section 4 | section 5 | section 6 | section 7 ]

Section 2 - Methodology

To identify the current metadata standardisation activities we have carried out a desk research with as a starting point the CEN/ISSS Metadata Framework of June 1999. This metadata framework offers a structured classification of activities in the area of metadata for multimedia information. In addition we have consulted the correspondents who are preparing the Metadata Watch. The Metadata Watch is also a main delivery of the SCHEMAS project.

This method has resulted in a list of 89 initiatives in metadata standardisation that are mostly web-oriented. These initiatives include platforms that are maintaining and preparing more than one standards or specification. We have drawn up an overview containing the name of the initiative, name and co-ordinates of the contact person, the institutions responsible for the initiative and the web-address.

From this overview we have selected those initiatives which are the most influential and most relevant to the purposes of SCHEMAS. This in turn resulted in a list of 40 initiatives.

Since we were in need of in-depth information about those standardisation initiatives we have chosen the survey method using a questionnaire that was sent to the contact person of the activity. The questions were of course focused on those topics considered most important for schema implementers. The topics covered by the questionnaire are, besides general details, a short description of the initiative, the objectives, guidelines, the type of material, the domain, the liaison with other initiatives and the future directions. The full results of the survey will be made available through the SCHEMAS Web site.

Through an e-mail message we have asked the correspondents to fill in the questionnaire and send it back. The response rate was quite low because only 10 returned the questionnaire, meaning a response rate of 25%. We selected another 11 initiatives that we considered to be of the highest importance for our audience, and conducted a desk research based on the information on the initiatives’ Web sites. This report, therefore, is focused on 21 metadata standardisation initiatives. Although this is a limited number, we believe it will provide a good insight into what is currently happening.

[ contents | section 1 | section 3 | section 4 | section 5 | section 6 | section 7 ]

Maintained by: UK Office for Library and Information Networking (UKOLN)
Last updated: 07 August 2001