Metadata Guidelines
Metadata Profile
A summary of the requirements for MODS records in the digital repository system — including usage guidelines for elements, sub-elements, and attributes, as well as recommendations for when to apply content standards and controlled vocabularies — is available upon request.
Metadata Template
A spreadsheet template that can be used to create metadata records conforming to the Digital Commonwealth metadata guidelines and used for batch upload of records and objects into the digital repository system is available upon request.
Controlled Vocabularies
Use of controlled data values facilitates browsing, enhances searching, ensures data consistency, and facilitates record sharing. The use of controlled vocabularies for subject headings, personal and corporate names, creator roles, format/genre terms, geographic entities, and languages is strongly recommended. Vocabularies used for a project should be chosen to best complement its unique characteristics. Recommended controlled vocabularies include, but are not limited to:
Subject/Format Headings
- Library of Congress Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
- Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
- Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- RBMS Controlled Vocabulary for Rare Materials Cataloging
- FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology)
- Homosaurus (an international LGBTQ+ linked data vocabulary)
Authorized Name Headings/Creator Roles
- Library of Congress Name Authority File (NAF)
- Getty Union List of Artist Names
- MARC Code List for Relators
Geographic Headings
Languages
Cataloging Rules
The use of formal cataloging rules (also known as content standards) is strongly recommended to provide specific guidance on the choice and format of data where applicable. The content standard chosen for each collection or project should be appropriate for the institution and the type of material being described. Some commonly used standards include:
- Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials — the DCRM suite offers standards for use with artwork, books, early and rare manuscripts, music, maps, serials, and more. Metadata in the digital repository system frequently uses:
- DCRM(G): Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Graphics) — this is the 2013 update to Graphic Materials: Rules for Describing Original Items and Historical Collections
- DCRM(MSS): Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Manuscripts)
- DCRM(C): Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Cartographic)
- AMREMM: Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts
- Resource Description & Access (RDA)
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)
- Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO)