Where is the value in metadata?. (14th July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lytras, Miltiadis D.; Sicilia, Miguel-Angel
• Is Part Of: International journal of metadata, semantics and ontologies. Volume 2:Number 4(2007)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2008-07-14
• Subjects: metadata management -- metadata value -- information systems -- cost-benefit analysis -- justification; Metadata -- Periodicals; Semantic Web -- Periodicals; Ontologies (Information retrieval) -- Periodicals; Data structures (Computer science) -- Periodicals; Information theory -- Periodicals; 005.74
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-2621

Abstract

Metadata can be defined as structured data about an object that supports some function(s) related to that object described. Thus, the functions enabled by metadata are the key to cost-justifying metadata creation and management efforts. However, the functions of metadata are diverse, and also the kinds of organisations that typically create and use metadata. This results in different possible accounts of the concept of 'metadata value'. This paper explores typical cases of organisations using metadata and then explores how metadata as an organisational asset can be framed in the existing Information Systems (IS) theories.