9. Conclusion

Discovery metadata is inherently sensitive to the perspective of the end-user. Refinement to our metadata models may be required to provide the details need by users who are seeking to discover services rather than information resources. There is value in providing an integrated discovery framework for a range of resource types, including both services and documents. What is needed is refinement rather than comprehensive change, however the extent and nature of that refinement is as yet still open for discussion. A range of tactics exists for incorporating service metadata in existing models. These all show potential for sharpening our understanding of service description, and for addressing different aspects of the challenge of effectively representing services in a readily discoverable and meaningful manner. The approaches discussed in this paper are not mutually exclusive - the question is rather which to use where. Experience gained through implementation exercises such as the New Zealand Government portal will help inform and steer these developments.