Structural metadata refers to information that describes the organization, arrangement, and relationships among different components or parts of a digital resource. It provides a framework for understanding how the elements within a digital object are structured and interconnected. Here are some key points about structural metadata:
- Purpose: Structural metadata helps users navigate and understand the logical and physical structure of a complex digital resource. It defines how different components, such as chapters in a book or scenes in a video, are related.
- Types of Digital Resources: Structural metadata is commonly used for various types of digital resources, including books, articles, websites, videos, audio recordings, and more. It is particularly important for multimedia and hypertextual content.
- Hierarchical Structure: Digital resources often have a hierarchical structure, where larger units are divided into smaller parts. For example, a book can be divided into chapters, sections, and paragraphs, each with its own structural metadata.
- Navigation: Structural metadata supports navigation within a digital resource. Users can jump to specific sections, chapters, or time points in a video or audio recording, enhancing the user experience.
- Interactivity: In interactive digital content, such as e-learning modules or games, structural metadata defines how different interactive elements are organized and how users can navigate through them.
- Formats: Structural metadata can be expressed in various formats, including XML (eXtensible Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), or RDF (Resource Description Framework). These formats provide a structured way to represent the relationships between components.
- Standards: Some industries and domains have developed specific standards for expressing structural metadata. For example, the EPUB standard for e-books includes structural metadata elements to define the book’s structure.
- Accessibility: Structural metadata can play a role in making digital content more accessible. It helps screen readers and other assistive technologies understand the organization of content, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate.
- Metadata Records: Structural metadata is often included within metadata records that describe digital resources. These records may also include descriptive metadata (information about the content), administrative metadata (information about management and rights), and more.
- Search and Retrieval: Search engines and content management systems can use structural metadata to improve search and retrieval capabilities. Users can search within specific sections or chapters of a document, for example.
Overall, structural metadata is a critical component of digital resource management and user experience. It ensures that users can efficiently navigate and interact with digital content, whether it’s a book, a multimedia presentation, or a complex website.