Metadata for Information Management and Retrieval

One of the key challenges facing information managers today is the need to inter-relate different sources and types of information, whether it be in an internet search across a range of resources or an e-commerce system that needs to exchange data between proprietary applications in order to complete a transaction. Metadata allows interoperation of information systems, improves retrieval performance and provides a way of managing information resources. It is now an established part of the work of LIS professionals. This thought-provoking, timely and useful introduction to metadata by one of its leading advocates assesses the current theory and practice and examines key developments - including global initiatives - in terms of both policy and technology. This book is essential reading for network-oriented librarians and information workers in all sectors and for students of librarianship, information science and records management. In addition it will provide useful background reading for ICT professionals supporting content-based systems and information services. Publishers, policy makers and practitioners in other curatorial traditions such as museums and archives will also find much of relevance. This is a thought-provoking introduction to metadata written by one of its leading advocates. It assesses the current theory and practice of metadata and examines key developments - including global initiatives - in terms of both policy and technology. Following an overview of metadata development, the core of the book focuses on the application of metadata and defines five purposes for metadata illustrated with practical examples. It then goes on to consider the issue of managing metadata itself and concludes with a look towards the future. This book will be essential reading for network-oriented librarians and information workers in all sectors and for students of librarianship, information science and records management. In addition it will provide useful background reading for IT professionals supporting content-based systems and information services. Publishers, policy makers and practitioners in other curatorial traditions such as museums and archives will also find much of relevance.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction 2. Describing and expressing metadata 3. Standards and data models 4. Purpose i: Resource description 5. Purpose ii: Information retrieval 6. Purpose iii: Management of information 7. Purpose iv: Rights management, ownership and authenticity 8. Purpose v: Interoperability and e-commerce 9. Managing metadata 10. Looking forward - the future

About the Author :
David Haynes MSc CMC FCLIP is Head of Consultancy Services at CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. A Certified Management Consultant and a Chartered Fellow of CILIP, he has been involved in information consultancy and research for 20 years and brings to the subject considerable knowledge and practical experience of library, information and records management practice in government, commercial companies and the voluntary sector. He has worked in many different parts of the world and is a regular speaker and course presenter on metadata and other information-related issues.

Review :
'I would heartily recommend this book as a textbook for courses in information organisation and as a shelf item for any information professionals who want a lucid guide to a rather nebulous field.' LTSN-ICS 'The book is choc-a-block with information, on virtually every aspect of metadata.' eLucidate 'Overall, this is an excellent book on an emerging and highly relevant topic for library and information management activities. It has been written in a non-technical language. And the theme and contents of the book have been presented in a well-organised manner. No doubt this book will be extremely useful for LIS students and professionals all over the world.' PROGRAM 'The real success of this work lies in Haynes' ability to capture both the older issues of concern to librarians, archivists and museum and gallery professionals, such as what metadata to include, and the new information management puzzles that the internet has generated. As such it should prove a valuable resource for many people.' Ariadne 'I shall certainly order a copy of this book for my university library.' Online Information Review