Meeting metadata challenges in the consortial environment: Metadata coordination for North Carolina Exploring Cultural Heritage Online

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to focus on the approaches to metadata pursued by North Carolina's Exploring Cultural Heritage Online (NC ECHO), a statewide digitization project. Metadata forms the cornerstone to the project and serves as a vehicle to meet the vision of all‐inclusive access to the state's unique cultural and historical resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The article begins with a description of the cultural heritage institution landscape in North Carolina and a discussion of that landscape within the framework of metadata challenges. Four distinct but interrelated approaches are then discussed in the context of the project's missions and goals: working groups, “metadata first”, training and outreach, and “Seek a Metadata Consultation”.

Findings

The described approach demonstrates a commitment to communication, facilitation, and empowerment that is fundamental to the overall mission of NC ECHO: to provide access to the state's cultural heritage materials through an online portal.

Originality/value

The article provides a discussion of the importance of marketing, approval, coordination, and participation in the context of these metadata solutions.

Citation

Wisser, K. (2005), "Meeting metadata challenges in the consortial environment: Metadata coordination for North Carolina Exploring Cultural Heritage Online", Library Hi Tech, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 164-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510605133