Title: Exploring the utility of metadata record graphs and network analysis for metadata quality evaluation and augmentation

Authors: Mark Edward Phillips; Oksana L. Zavalina; Hannah Tarver

Addresses: UNT Libraries, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA ' College of Information, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA ' UNT Libraries, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA

Abstract: Our study explores the possible uses and effectiveness of network analysis, including Metadata Record Graphs, for evaluating collections of metadata records at scale. We present the results of an experiment applying these methods to records in the University of North Texas (UNT) Digital Library and two sub-collections of different compositions: the UNT Scholarly Works collection, which functions as an institutional repository, and a collection of architectural slide images. The data includes count- and value-based statistics with network metrics for every Dublin Core element in each set. The study finds that network analysis provides useful information that supplements other metrics, for example by identifying records that are completely unconnected to other items through the subject, creator, or other field values. Additionally, network density may help managers identify collections or records that could benefit from enhancement. We also discuss the constraints of these metrics and suggest possible future applications.

Keywords: metadata record graphs; metadata quality; metadata linking; network analysis; metadata evaluation; digital libraries; quality metrics; network graphing; Dublin Core.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMSO.2020.108326

International Journal of Metadata, Semantics and Ontologies, 2020 Vol.14 No.2, pp.112 - 123

Received: 15 Jun 2019
Accepted: 28 Oct 2019

Published online: 08 Jul 2020 *

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