Info Org: Metadata

For my third assignment for my Organizing Information class, I was asked to look and analyze the metadata found in two different special collections at UNCG. I wrote a paragraph of analysis for each item, as well as a paragraph about the items taken together and what they say about the collection itself. 

Metadata

Examine the two digital library instances linked below. List similarities and differences in user experience between the two sites. Explain some ways in which metadata is used to make the experiences on these two websites possible.

1. Hansen Performing Arts Collection: 

“Correspondence of Helena Modjeska”

There is a lot of metadata available . The date of the item, the creator of the item, the genre of the item, the theme of the item, a description of the item, and a narrative about the item are included. Lots of information about the collection, including who contributed it, a link to the Finding Aid, and a preferred citation are included. However, the item description is about the creator herself, and not about the item. After a short biography of Helena Modjeska, the exposition for which the item was created is included, followed by a transcription of the letter that accompanied the item. The item in question does not appear to be in the University Archives. The item is a small doll, crafted by Modjeska herself, and is a depiction of her as Mary Stuart. While the information about Helena Modjeska is very interesting, and adds to the letter and painting, more information about the doll (if available) would have been nice. More information about the painting, such as what it was painted with, and the historical accuracy of the clothing being worn would have been helpful. Overall, the amount and type of metadata is very well done, very descriptive, and very easy to navigate for the user.

“We’ll Have A Little Dance To Night”

As with the letter from Helena Modjeska, there is a lot of collection information available. The metadata for the song itself has the composer, the singer, the subject headings, the original format, as well as the first line of both the song and the chorus. Both of the last would help someone determine if this song is the one they are looking for. The subject headings of piano music taken with the format of musical notation would let the user know how this would need to be played. If one can’t read sheet music, then they shouldn’t try to play this piece. What would be helpful from the user-end would me more information about the composer and the singers. The years the composer was active could help someone determine if he’s the one they want. A bit more information about the singers would also be good. This does not need to be long, but more along the lines of “[number of members] Gospel group from [hometown].” The hometown could also help a user determine if they have found the group or music that they are looking for. The metadata is complete, and easy to navigate for a user with limited musical knowledge.

Together, these specific parts of the collection indicate that the librarians knew a fair amount about the collection they were entering. As such, it is in an easy-to-search format, and patrons with limited knowledge of music can easily find the song or composer they want. A bit more information about people or items mentioned would immediately tell a patron if the item in question was the correct one. This collection is well put together and navigable.

2. Textiles, Teachers, and Troops:

[Salem Academy Pin]

There is very little metadata available for this item. There is more information about the collection than the item. Information that would have been helpful would be the location of “Salem Academy.” Is it the same as in Winston-Salem, or is it in Massachusetts? There is an engraving on the back of the pin, a student’s name and date. Who is this person? Did she go to UNCG back then? Was she a teacher at UNCG? A teacher at Salem Academy? If a patron was looking for an ancestor, there would not be enough metadata available to know if Lula V. Martin is the Lula V. Martin who is being searched for. If she was a student, the year she graduated would be useful. While the searching was very easy, there is not enough metadata in this collection.

Student Life -- 1890s

As with Salem Academy, there is more information about the collection than the item. The item is a folder of 8 pictures from the 1890s, including several photographs of people and locations. However, only some of the subjects are identified in the description, and there is no information about those who have been identified. If I was looking for a Flora Patterson, I would not be positive that this was the Flora Patterson that I was looking for. Who these lovely ladies were and their connection to UNCG would be very useful for a patron.

Together, these pieces make a very searchable collection, but not a very useful collection. Yes, I can see an image of a pin from Salem Academy from approximately 1881, but I don’t know the connection to UNCG or even where Salem Academy is. The student life photos have historical importance – they show what life was life for students in the 1890s, give or take 5 years. But, there is very little information about the ladies in the pictures. Are they students or teachers? When did they graduate? If this information is available, it would be a nice addition to the collection. The collection is of historical importance, and with a little bit more metadata, would be a very useful collection of photographs, letters, and items from more than one hundred years ago.

I received full marks on this assignment.