New UC Shared Images Metadata Guidelines

By Adrian Turner, Data Consultant for Digital Special Collections

The UC Shared Images program recently revised and published its guidelines for shareable metadata.  Version 2.0 of the “Metadata Submission Guidelines” (MSG) is now available.

The MSG provides image-based metadata specifications for campus visual resource centers and libraries participating in the UC Shared Images program, available through the ARTstor hosting platform.  Through the program, campuses can collaboratively develop image collections and share them across the UC system — reducing redundant effort and costs, and providing a convenient and single point of access to the essential images faculty need for teaching.

Metadata that is consistent with other collection records across UC institutions as well as with other ARTstor collections will improve the integration and discoverability of records within ARTstor.  The specifications are based on the ARTstor Core metadata scheme (and indirectly, the VRA Core schema), and also draws on the Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO) data content standard.

The guidelines were prepared by the Shared Metadata Working Group (SMWG) from December 2008 through March 2009.  A special thanks to all of the SMWG members for their time, effort, and expertise that went into preparing this document:

* Maureen Burns, Humanities, Visual Resources Curator (UCI)
* Jan Eklund, History of Art, Visual Resources Curator (UCB)
* Kathleen Hardin, Library, Visual Resources Curator (UCSC)
* Trish Rose-Sandler, Library, Metadata Analyst (UCSD)
* Susan Stone, Information Services and Technology, Data Services, Museum Informatics Specialist (UCB)