Metadata records for objects in BPL’s digital repository system conform to the Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS) created by the Library of Congress. MODS provides for complex item description and supports the use of a wide variety of controlled vocabularies and content standards.

BPL has established minimum requirements for metadata records but strongly encourages partner institutions to create descriptions that are as rich and complete as possible. This will facilitate the best search and browse experience for the user.

All metadata records in the digital repository system are accessible in the public search interface. Additionally, metadata records will be harvested into the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). Please note that all metadata records held in the repository and harvested into DPLA will be made available under a Creative Commons CC0 license.

Because metadata records for the items will also subsequently become available in DPLA, institutions should be cognizant of the larger shared metadata environment and should tailor descriptions accordingly (see Best Practices for Shareable Metadata from the Digital Library Federation).