Metadata tool specifications

The need for improved metadata entry tools in language documentation is apparent. Without basic metadata the results of fieldwork, including recordings, texts and so on, become invisible, even to the fieldworker. On the other hand, with good metadata descriptions this material is accessible for re-use by their creator, and can be easily submitted to an archive for longterm access.

The survey conducted by CoEDL in early 2016 had some 135 responses and revealed that most of the responding researchers do not use existing tools, but rather rely on spreadsheets, text documents or pen and paper.

As a result of discussion at the 2016 LD Tools and Methods Summit in Melbourne, a group of participants arranged to develop specifications for development of a tool or tools. Gary Holton at U.Hawaii wrote a funding application to the NSF that resulted in funds being made available for meetings during 2016 and 2017.

Topics for discussion:

- What tools or methods currently exist to assist in metadata capture for fieldwork linguists (beyond the already well-known CMDIMaker, Arbil, ExSite9).

- Are there good examples of simple spreadsheets for import of metadata into archive catalogs?

- e.g. PARADISEC has a simple spreadsheet to populate its catalog.

- Are there any development effort in train (e.g., FAIMS)

- Where/when to hold a meeting to discuss these issues more fully

This project is being led by Gary Holton (U.Hawaii Manoa), Nick Thieberger (U.Melbourne), Mandana Seyfeddinipur (ELDP, London), and Paul Trilsbeek (MPI Nijmegen)