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Metadata can be stored in two main ways:
In a database separately from the resource
The most common method for embedding metadata within web pages is by using the HTML meta tag within the document HEAD. It is also possible to embed metadata in HTML and XML (eXtensible Markup Language) using the Resource Description Framework (RDF) syntax. RDF is an XML-based syntax for incorporating metadata. RDF is now an official W3C recommendation. SEE Encoding Syntax
Embedding the metadata in the document is easier for document creators and ensures that the metadata is always attached to the document it describes. Metadata can be created at the same time as the document itself and embedded by the document creator. Changes to the document can quickly be mirrored by updates to the metadata embedded in the document if required.
Metadata embedded in documents can later be harvested and stored in a database if this suits particular requirements.
A database storing metadata can be implemented using different technologies. It may be a relational database management system or just a file system containing metadata records. There are administrative implications involved in setting up the database and maintaining records. Database storage can suit very large record holdings and can be a more efficient way of storing and managing such large holdings. Difficulties can arise with associating the stored metadata with the web pages and ensuring updates to the metadata to mirror changes to the documents themselves. It can be a more efficient way of dealing with non-HTML documents such as pdfs and word documents. Metadata stored in this way needs to be published and rendered in HTML to facilitate the search engine.
Metadata storage choices are best determined, to a large extent, by specific business needs and resource types. The method selected should meet organisational needs or specific technological capabilities. Organisations wishing to pursue the issue of database storage ought to consult with CMOD, Department of Finance, before so doing.
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