RE: Environmental Data Directory

[SMS <cfa@ozemail.com.au>]

We must remember, however, that the web is just a tool.  Just by putting metadata on the web will not guarantee success.  There must be either a stick or a carrot (or both) to motivate people to participate (ie put metadata in).  In Lee's case it appears there is some sort of stick (please forgive me if I have it totally wrong) - ie you are required to provide it in a particular format. 

Lee, what are your main reasons for providing the metadata?  A personal survey - hope you don't mind me asking.

I can see why an organisation would develop a data directory (manage their data assets etc) but where this is extended to an organisation managing other organisation's metadata I think a problem is created.  As David pointed out the metadata provider looses control and must ask themselves why are they particpating.  I think the best appraoch is to get your own metadata backyard in shape before you think of participating in metadata provision exercises.  In that way you have collected metadata for the right reason - to help your organisation and yourself.  Once this is done you can effectively help others.

This approach appears to be what ANZLIC has adopted.

Shawn



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From: 	Tony Boston[SMTP:tony@erin.gov.au]
Sent: 	Monday, 16 September 1996 13:58
To: 	ozmeta-l@erin.gov.au
Cc: 	erin@erin.gov.au
Subject: 	Environmental Data Directory

To add to comments by Shawn and Lee, ERIN is developing an Environmental
Data Directory (EDD) to store metadata about data sets held in the Commonwealth
Environment Portfolio. The application system includes both a data directory 
and data management component. 

The data directory component is compatible with the ANZLIC guidelines and will 
be accessible via the web. The backend is an Oracle database while the frontend 
will include a Java and HTML-based interface for browsing the data set entries. 
A web data entry facility will also be provided for users within the Portfolio.

The database includes the ability to store on-line links (URLs) to