Week 4 Reading Notes

Database. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database

-Wikipedia gave a clear, straight forward definition of database.

-It was my first time hearing about the three types of database model. However, the examples used to differentiate hierarchical model and network model, were very clear to me. Although, the article said it can get confusing.

-The different types of terminologies that explained database were informative and interesting to read about.

-The article was more of an overview of what was said in class, which was essential to me to get a clear understanding of various databases.

An overview of the Dublin Core Data Model

I worked for the Free Library of Philadelphia for over four years now, and I can honestly say, that I have never heard the terminology Dublin Core Data Model. However, I found the article to be an interesting read because it did a good job with the overview of the model and its functional requirements. In order to understand Dublin Core Data Model, I went to Wikipedia.org which stated the model as follow: The Dublin Core metadata element set is a standard for cross-domain information resource description. It provides a simple and standardised set of conventions for describing things online in ways that make them easier to find. Dublin Core is widely used to describe digital materials such as video, sound, image, text, and composite media like web pages. This definition gave me a clear view metadata and helped me understand the article.

Introduction to Metadata, pathways to Digital Information

My understanding of the article is that libraries as well as any other technical institute should use some type of metadata model. As stated in the article, “Library metadata includes indexes, abstracts, and catalog records created according to cataloging rules and structural and content standards such as MARC (MAchine-Readable Cataloging format), as well as authority forms such as LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings) or the AAT (Art & Architecture Thesaurus).” Although, the system can be expensive to create and maintain, the article explains how Metadata is important in library systems because it can increase accessibility, retention of context, preservation and many other functions that can help expand its use.