Description: This paper discusses maintaining quality metadata. Quality is a multidimensional concept. Abstract: Quality is a multidimensional concept. The two aspects of digital library data quality are the quality of the data in the objects themselves, and the quality of the metadata associated with the objects. Because poor metadata quality can result in ambiguity, poor recall and inconsistent search results, the existence of robust quality assurance mechanisms is a necessary feature of a well-functioning digital library. Recognizing the strategic benefit of quality metadata as a means of ensuring long term access to its digital resources, the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries employ a number of metadata quality assurance procedures, tools, and associated quality assurance mechanisms. This paper discusses issues related to digital resources management and describes how UNT approaches metadata quality issues at various levels of the digital resources life cycle.

Description: This paper discusses preservation metadata. Abstract: The challenges of long-term access are multifaceted, often requiring a mixture of approaches. Considering the critical role of metadata in any successful digital preservation strategy, the Preservation Metadata Implementation Strategies (PREMIS) has been extremely influential on providing a "core" set of metadata elements that support the digital preservation process. However, there is no evidence, in the form of previous research, as to what factors explain and predict the level of adoption of PREMIS. This paper attempts to identify factors that affect the adoption of PREMIS in cultural heritage institutions. The study employed a web-based survey to collect data from 123 participants in 20 countries as well as a semi-structured, follow-up telephone interview with a smaller sample of the survey respondents. Roger's diffusion of innovation theory was used as a theoretical framework. The main constructs considered for the study were relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, and institution readiness. The analysis showed that all six factors influence the adoption of PREMIS in varying degrees. Results of a regression analysis also showed a statistically significant relationship. The R square value for the model was .528, which means that 52.8% of the variance in PREMIS adoption was ...

Description: This paper accompanies a poster presentation discussing empowering digital libraries users through combining taxonomies and folksonomies. Abstract: The increase in the number and heterogeneity of digital resources has led cultural heritage institutions to develop tools, workflows, and quality assurance mechanisms that allow effective digital resource management. The poster that this paper describes assesses the current landscape in digital libraries as well as best practices and identifies emerging trends in information indexing. It also explores the potentials of and controversies surrounding user supplied tags or keywords in terms of complementing established controlled vocabularies in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Description: This paper discusses a panel on the origins of the Special Interest Group for International Information Issues (SIG-III) of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) and its early years. In addition to the reflections of the last 30 years, Toni Carbo (one of the co-founders of SIG-III), Nadia Caidi (SIG-III Advisory board member), Anatoliy Gruzd (Social Media Administrator), Daniel Alemneh (SIG-III Chair), and Abebe Rorissa (SIG-III Chair-elect) look forward and discuss the future of the SIG-III including strategies to facilitate collaborations and information exchanges globally.

Description: This poster presents an overview of the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries' "Portal to Texas History" project, which aims to integrate and ensure long-term access to large quantities of heterogeneous digital resources from many different institutions. Portals have emerged as an important tool for facilitating single-point-access to digital resources. The UNT Library is undertaking the leadership role by creating the application framework, setting project standards and guidelines, and facilitating collaborative efforts for content building. Also discussed are expanded services for targeted audiences, project approaches to preservation challenges, collaboration benefits, and other issues that emerged in the process of building a platform for the portal system.