Structural Metadata
Structural Metadata
Structural Metadata is data that describes the structure of a document, file, or information resource. It provides information about the organization of the content, such as the sequence of pages in a document, the arrangement of chapters in a book, or the hierarchy of sections in a webpage. Structural metadata is used to facilitate the navigation, retrieval, and presentation of information.
Types
There are several types of structural metadata, including:
- Page Numbers: Metadata that indicates the sequence of pages in a document or book.
- Chapter Titles: Metadata that identifies the titles and sequence of chapters in a book.
- Section Headings: Metadata that specifies the hierarchy of sections in a document or webpage.
- Table of Contents: Metadata that provides an overview of the structure of a document or book.
Use Cases
Structural metadata is used in various contexts, such as:
- Digital Libraries: Structural metadata is used to organize and retrieve digital documents, such as books and articles, in digital library collections.
- Web Content Management: Structural metadata is used to organize and display web content, such as articles and blog posts, on websites.
- Digital Archives: Structural metadata is used to organize and preserve digital archival materials, such as photographs and documents, in digital archives.
Standards
Several standards and formats are used to encode structural metadata, including:
- Dublin Core: A standard for describing resources on the web, including metadata elements for structural information.
- METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard): A standard for encoding descriptive, administrative, and structural metadata for digital library objects.
- TEI (Text Encoding Initiative): A standard for encoding texts in digital form, including elements for encoding structural information.
Conclusion
Structural metadata is essential for organizing, navigating, and presenting information in digital documents, files, and resources. By providing information about the structure of content, structural metadata enhances the usability and accessibility of information resources.
