Section C: Metadata Elements

Who needs this information?

Metadata authors.

Purpose of this section

Here you can get guidance on how each metadata element should be used, including relevant refinements and encoding schemes. This is a supplement to the elements' specification in the NZGLS Metadata Element Set.

Notes on format

Where elements appear in italics, then the word is being used as the element name, rather than being used generically.

Words that appear in bold throughout the text are for emphasis or for subheadings as the case may be.

The discussion gives you general guidance about how to use each element.

Note however that metadata for the Government web portals, and especially use of Metalogue, may be subject to specific requirements beyond the base-level requirements of good NZGLS metadata. Consult the Metalogue help system or contact the E-government Unit of State Services Commission for advice.

Elements are listed alphabetically for ease of reference.

As far as practical, all the information appropriate for an element is included under that element in the order described below, even though this has meant repetition, for ease of reference.

Definition - this is the definition from the NZGLS Metadata Element Set.

Obligation - as defined in the NZGLS Metadata Element Set and explained in this document in Section B.1.2

"What is this element" gives explanation and guidance on interpreting the element.

"... and other elements" gives advice on the distinction between elements that may be confused.

"Repetition" gives advice on when to repeat an element and when not to.

"Qualifiers" gives any refinements, controlled vocabularies or encoding schemes that may be used with that element.

"Examples" are included as examples. They are not encoded in HTML or XML. They show a human-readable form of the value, with the entry formatted to indicate encoding schemes and refinements:

• controlled vocabularies and other encoding schemes are enclosed in [ ]
• element refinements are enclosed in ( )