Nutzungsmetadaten

Nutzungsmetadaten, also known as usage metadata, refers to data that describes how a resource has been accessed, used, or interacted with. This type of metadata is crucial for understanding the lifecycle and impact of digital objects, content, or systems. It complements descriptive metadata, which identifies and locates a resource, and structural metadata, which defines the relationships between parts of a resource.

Common examples of Nutzungsmetadaten include download counts, view statistics, access logs, citation frequencies, borrowing records for library materials, and user engagement metrics. These data points can reveal patterns of use, identify popular or underutilized resources, and inform decisions about resource management, preservation, and development. For instance, a library might use borrowing data to decide which books to purchase more copies of or which older books to archive. Researchers might use citation counts to assess the impact of their publications.

The collection and analysis of Nutzungsmetadaten are essential for digital preservation efforts, as they can highlight resources that are actively being used and therefore warrant continued preservation. They also play a role in intellectual property management, providing evidence of access and usage for licensing and copyright purposes. The development of standards for Nutzungsmetadaten is ongoing, aiming to ensure interoperability and facilitate consistent tracking across different platforms and repositories.