Kirjeldusmeta

Kirjeldusmeta, also known as *descriptive metadata*, refers to a set of structured data elements that provide information about a resource, such as a document, image, video, or dataset. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the discovery, management, and preservation of digital content by describing its key characteristics. Unlike operational metadata, which supports technical processes, descriptive metadata focuses on the intellectual and contextual aspects of a resource, making it easier for users to locate and understand it.

Descriptive metadata typically includes fields such as title, author, subject keywords, abstract or summary, date of creation, and language. These elements help users assess relevance and context without requiring direct access to the resource itself. Standards like Dublin Core, METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard), and MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema) provide frameworks for organizing and sharing descriptive metadata across different systems.

In libraries, archives, and digital repositories, descriptive metadata plays a crucial role in cataloging and indexing resources. It enables search engines and discovery tools to retrieve relevant materials efficiently. Additionally, it supports long-term preservation by documenting the resource’s provenance, rights, and technical specifications. While descriptive metadata is essential for accessibility, it is often complemented by administrative and structural metadata to ensure comprehensive resource management.

The creation of descriptive metadata may involve manual entry by experts or automated processes, such as optical character recognition (OCR) for text-based resources. Best practices emphasize consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established standards to maximize usability and interoperability. Organizations often develop metadata policies to guide the selection and application of metadata schemes tailored to their specific needs.