DCMI, or Dublin Core Metadata Initiative, is an organization aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of interoperable metadata standards. The organization has developed specific metadata vocabularies, including the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, which is one of the simplest and most widely used metadata schemas for describing resources.
The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set includes 15 “core” metadata elements that can be used to describe both physical and digital resources. The “qualified” Dublin Core set also includes additional metadata elements to provide greater specificity and granularity.
The initiative began in 1995 with a workshop in Dublin, Ohio, that brought together librarians, digital library researchers, content providers, and text markup experts to improve standards for information resource discovery. The original Dublin Core originated as a small set of descriptive elements that quickly attracted worldwide interest from a wide range of information providers. The DCMI has since standardized the Dublin Core as ISO 15836.
Dublin Core metadata relies on multiple Resource Description Framework (RDF) vocabularies that are grouped and constrained in Dublin Core application profiles, making it adaptable to a variety of resources and contexts.
FAQ
What is Dublin Core?
Dublin Core is a set of 15 “core” elements for describing resources, and is one of the simplest and most widely used metadata schemas. It has been used to describe a variety of physical and digital resources.
What is DCMI?
The Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) is an organization that promotes the widespread adoption of interoperable metadata standards and develops specific metadata vocabularies.
What is the difference between the “core” and “qualified” Dublin Core Metadata Element Set?
The “core” Dublin Core Metadata Element Set includes 15 metadata elements, while the “qualified” set includes additional metadata elements for greater specificity and granularity in describing resources.
What is the history of DCMI?
The DCMI began in 1995 with a workshop in Dublin, Ohio, aimed at improving standards for information resource discovery. The organization quickly gained worldwide interest and has since standardized the Dublin Core as ISO 15836.
Final Thoughts
The Dublin Core Metadata Initiative has played a significant role in promoting the widespread adoption of interoperable metadata standards, making it easier for information providers to describe and discover a variety of resources. With its simple yet adaptable metadata schema, Dublin Core has become an essential tool for librarians, digital library researchers, and content providers alike.
