Developing an Empirically-based Framework of Metadata Change and Exploring Relation between Metadata Change and Metadata Quality in MARC Library Metadata

Managing metadata quality and metadata change contributes to more effective knowledge management in various organizations. This study sought to test and refine the metadata change framework initially developed for characterizing the change in digit al library metadata, in the study of traditional library metadata. As well, the study investigates how the recent shift to the new resource description standard Resource Description and Access (RDA) has impacted the change in library metadata records. Using a content analysis approach, we assessed various quantitative and qualitative aspects of metadata change over time in library metadata records. The study reveals that in the time since the transition to the new standard, library metadata records have received a high level of attention from metadata editors as expressed in overall metadata change frequency and a variety of 3 change categories and 23 subcategories observed. Results suggests the most frequently occurring categories and subcategories of change within the library metadata records, the metadata fields most widely applied in the records and the ones most often undergoing changes, as well as the institutions that most often make changes to the records. Based on the changes observed in our study, we identify relations between specific metadata change categories and subcategories and metadata quality criteria of accuracy, completeness, and consistency. The directions for further research into library metadata change and connections between metadata change categories and metadata quality criteria are suggested.