Metadata for Beginners: Multiple Integrated Sessions

• In-person event
• 252A, MacOdrum Library, Carleton University
• 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6

This workshop is offered to both Carleton University and University of Ottawa users.

This suite of four integrated metadata workshops introduces core topics for those interested in creating quality metadata for digital projects, including digital humanities projects.

Metadata, “data about data”, is one strategy for ensuring the proper storage, discovery, retrieval, and sharing of data across time and space. Being able to find and access things is simpler if we are organized. In addition, we need to be ethical and think about the impact of metadata on the people, places, and objects being described: what are the social, economic, and political consequences of the words chosen to describe data? Does metadata play a role in the way we see the world and each other?

This series of workshops introduces researchers to thinking critically about the basics of metadata creation and use. The suite of four workshops covers these topics:

1. The nature and purpose of metadata
2. Metadata schemas: Using Dublin Core
3. Omeka: A case study in applying Dublin Core
4. Murkurtu: A case study of metadata for social justice

Instructors

Martha Attridge Bufton, Interdisciplinary Studies Librarian, Carleton University Library

Roxanne Lafleur, Digital Humanities Support Specialist, University of Ottawa

Learning outcomes

At the end of these workshops, participants will be able to:

1. Define and think critically about the creation and use of metadata.
2. Identify one metadata schema and apply these standards to describing digital objects.
3. Create descriptors for a set of digital and physical objects, persons, events, etc. using Dublin Core.
4. Critically assess the metadata schemas for two digital repository platforms: Omeka and Mukurtu.

Dates

• Tuesday, June 3, 2025
• Tuesday, June 10, 2025
• Tuesday, June 17, 2025
• Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Time (all dates)

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location

ML252A MacOdrum Library

Please note: because this session is not taking place during the Fall or Winter terms, it cannot count toward paid pedagogical training hours for those working as TAs.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:

**Carleton University** students: Please register using the form below (registration per workshop not required)

**University of Ottawa** students, please email Martha Attridge Bufton at marthaattridgebufton@cunet.carleton.ca to confirm registration. Please include your student number when you email Martha.