Module 3.3: Metadata for Open Civic Data

Introduction

This is the first of two modules on metadata and documentation. In this module, we consider the ways that open data initiatives have approached creating and managing the information about data, or metadata. We will build an understanding of the importance of metadata for supporting discovery, understanding, and reuse of civic open data.

Guiding Questions

• What is metadata and why is it important to open civic data sharing?

• How does metadata impact the interpretation of data?

• How can information professionals create metadata that makes open civic data easier to use and understand?

Vignette

To support the usage of their Wi-Fi data, the librarian creates metadata for the dataset shared through the open data portal and creates a data dictionary and readme file that supports the reuse of the data. They also create a civic data guide, based on the LibGuide model, that provides information about why and how the data was collected, the organizational context in which it was collected, and limitations of the data. The librarian also seeks out qualitative stories to contextualize the data to include in this guide.

Instructional Materials

Video

Module 3.3 Captioned Video: Metadata for Open Civic Data

Video Files

37MB

Module3.3_CaptionedRecording.mp4

Open

Module 3.3 Captioned Video: Metadata for Open Civic Data MP4 Video

31MB

Module3.3_UncaptionedRecording.mp4

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Module 3.3 Uncaptioned Video: Metadata for Open Civic Data MP4 Video

Script and Slide Deck

Module 3.3 Script Preview

Module 3.3 Slide Deck Preview

Script and Slide Deck Files

361KB

Module3.3_Script.docx

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Module 3.3 Script: Metadata for Open Civic Data Word Document File

107KB

Module3.3_Script.pdf

PDF

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Module 3.3 Script: Metadata for Open Civic Data PDF File

4MB

Module3.3_Slides.pptx

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Module 3.3 Slides: Metadata for Open Civic Data PowerPoint File

2MB

Module3.3_Slides.pdf

PDF

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Module 3.3 Slides: Metadata for Open Civic Data PDF File

Activity

There are two activities that support modules 3.3 and 3.4. We recommend engaging with both modules before completing the activities.

Activities for Modules 3.3 and 3.4 are available on their own sub-page: Modules 3.3 & 3.4 Activities

Additional Resources

Introduction to Metadatawww.getty.edu

Anne J. Gilliland offers a valuable introduction to the metadata in her "Setting the Stage" chapter in Introduction to Metadata, 3rd edition (Getty, 2016). Her chapter describes the purpose of metadata and the types of metadata standards that support discovery, understanding, and reuse. Citation: Gilliland, A.J. (2016). “Setting the Stage.” In Introduction to Metadata, edited by M. Baca. 3rd ed. Los Angeles: Getty Publications. http://www.getty.edu/publications/intrometadata/setting-the-stage/.