Getting my head around Metadata and where it comes from….

Metadata sources in school libraries are the places where librarians can find or create metadata for the resources in their library collections. Here are some examples of metadata sources that may be used in school libraries:

1. Online library databases: Many online library databases provide metadata for the resources they index. This metadata can be used by librarians to create or supplement bibliographic records in their own library catalogues.
2. Library automation systems: Library automation systems such as LIBERO, Softlink Oliver, and Destiny include metadata fields for creating and managing bibliographic records. These systems may also provide authority control features to ensure consistency and accuracy in access points.
3. Publishers: Publishers often provide metadata for the books and other resources they produce. This metadata can include information such as author, title, publication date, and subject headings.
4. Library of Congress: The Library of Congress provides authority files and other metadata resources that can be used by librarians to ensure consistency and accuracy in cataloguing.
5. Third-party metadata providers: There are a variety of third-party metadata providers that offer metadata services for library collections. These services can include cataloguing, classification, and authority control, among others.
6. Cataloguing tools: Cataloguing tools such as EndNote, Librarything and Book Collectorz provide metadata fields and templates for creating bibliographic records. These tools may also include features such as ISBN lookup and cover image capture to make the cataloguing process more efficient.

These are just a few examples of the metadata sources that may be used in school libraries. The choice of metadata source will depend on a variety of factors, such as the specific needs of the library, the resources available, and the types of resources being catalogued.