The Metadata is the Interface Better Description for Better Discovery of Archives and Special Collections, Synthesized from User Studies

In today’s digital landscape, visibility is key. This OCLC Research publication addresses a critical issue for librarians and archivists: enhancing the discoverability of archives and special collections on the open web for their users. Despite strong archival standards for description and cataloging, there is a gap between how collections are managed and how users want to find them.

This paper emphasizes that structured metadata isn't just for internal collection management; it’s the essential interface that connects users to collections. With most discovery happening online and users expecting seamless search experiences, the visibility of archives relies heavily on how we create and structure metadata. If collections remain “hidden” or minimally described, they risk staying out of reach for researchers and the public alike.

Drawing on user studies, this research synthesizes insights into the descriptive information that users need for research, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond traditional cataloging methods. By aligning metadata with user expectations and web search behaviors, librarians and archivists can make unique materials accessible to a broader audience.

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• DOI: 10.25333/dp1k-3348
• ISBN: 1-55653-413-2 (978-1-55653-413-3) 
• OCLC (WorldCat): 325131725