The document presents a theory of enriching digital library metadata through a social constructivist approach, then filtering it for users. It discusses limitations of current standards-based approaches and the need to incorporate socially constructed metadata. The theory is based on interviews with 57 librarians, students, and lecturers. It proposes separating metadata content enrichment, as a continuous process, from interface filtering. Enrichment should move from user-centered to user-driven and involve diverse metadata that better meets users' needs through seamless linking. The goal is "useful" rather than "perfect" metadata, with post-hoc user-driven filtering. The presenter provides an example of implementing this theory at Southampton Solent University Library.

1. An Emergent Theory of
Digital Library Metadata:
Enrich then Filter
Getaneh Alemu (PhD)
Cataloguing & Metadata Librarian
Southampton Solent University
@getaneha
Paper presented at QQML-2016 - Exploring Trends and Challenges on Building the Future Libraries
May 27th 2016, London

2. Why is metadata important?

3. Types of metadata

4. Research context
(Coyle, 2010; Coyle & Hillmann, 2007; Lagoze, 2010; Mathes, 2004; Shirky, 2005; Veltman, 2001; Weinberger, 2005, 2007; Wright, 2007; Lehmann,
2010; Andersen & Skouvig, 2006.; Floridi, 2000; Hjorland, 2000)
 Growing library collections
 Ever changing technologies
 Changing users’ expectations
 Limitations of contemporary standards-based metadata approaches
 The social space of documents is missing (Otlet, 1934)
 Scant use of theories/theoretical frameworks in the inclusion of socially-
constructed metadata

5. Methodology
Alemu, G., Stevens, B., Ross, P. (2012). Towards a conceptual framework for user-driven semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries: A social
constructivist approach. New Library World. 113 (1/2), 38-54
Alemu, G., Stevens, B., & Ross, P. (2011). A constructivist grounded theory approach to semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries: preliminary
reflections. Paper presented at QQML 2011, Athens.
Alemu, G., Stevens, B., Ross, P., & Chandler, J. (2015). The Use of a Constructivist Grounded Theory Method to Explore the Role of Socially-Constructed Metadata
(Web 2.0) Approaches. QQML Journal, September 2015 Issue (pp. 517-540).
 A social constructivist approach
 Cultural artefacts very often lend themselves to various
interpretations and contexts
 Constructivist grounded theory method (Charmaz, 2006)
 Theory building rather than testing

6. Interviewees
Study No.
Interviewees
Study Total Number Profession Sub-total
Study One 11
LIS MSc Students 8
LIS PhD Student 1
LIS Lecturers 2
Study Two
21
Librarians 10
LIS
Researchers
5
LIS Lecturers 2
Metadata
Consultants
4
Study Three 25
Under-graduate Students (BSC) 5
Post-graduate Students (MSc=4 & PhD=6) 10
Lecturers (other than LIS) 10
Total 57

7. A priori metadata cont’d

8. Limitations of standards

9. Socially-constructed metadata
approach

10. The theory of metadata enriching & filtering

12. The theory of metadata enriching & filtering
 Separation of metadata content (enriching) and interface (filtering)
 Enriching as a continuous process
 From user-centred to user-driven metadata enriching and filtering
 Enriching as a continuous process
 Metadata diversity better conforming to users’ needs
 Seamless linking
 ‘Useful’ rather than ‘perfect’ metadata
 Post-hoc user-driven filtering

13. From theory to practice :
Southampton Solent University Library
We’ve seen increase in our purchase and
subscription of e-resources (50/50 spend between
print and e-books)
RDA implemented
Linked Data opportunities – MARC is not dead yet!
Library Management Systems – are they adapting?
When should we expect LMSs supporting Linked Data
such as BIBFRAME?

14. Thank You!
Getaneh.Alemu@solent.ac.uk
https://portal.solent.ac.uk/library/essential-info/meet-team/getaneh-alemu.aspx