metaadatokról

Metadata is data that provides information about other data. It describes the characteristics of a resource, such as a document, image, video, or web page. Metadata helps in understanding, organizing, locating, and managing data. Common examples of metadata include file names, creation dates, author information, file sizes, and data types. For digital files, metadata can also include technical details like resolution for images or codecs for videos.

The purpose of metadata is to facilitate the use and management of data. It allows users to quickly assess whether a resource is relevant to their needs without having to access and examine the data itself. In libraries, metadata in the form of catalog records helps patrons find books and other materials. In the context of the internet, metadata embedded in web pages (like meta tags) helps search engines understand the content of a page, improving search results.

Metadata can be categorized in various ways, such as descriptive, administrative, structural, or preservation metadata. Descriptive metadata identifies and describes a resource, for example, its title and abstract. Administrative metadata provides information to help manage a resource, such as its creation date or access rights. Structural metadata describes the relationship between different parts of a resource, like the order of chapters in a book. Preservation metadata records information needed to maintain the long-term accessibility of a resource.

Effective metadata management is crucial for large datasets, digital archives, and information systems. It ensures that data remains discoverable, understandable, and usable over time. The creation and maintenance of metadata require careful planning and adherence to established standards and vocabularies to ensure consistency and interoperability.