Quality Metadata to Address Semantic Uncertainty and Fitness for Use

摘要

Metadata can be classed into Description, Exploitation and Exploration. Among these, Data Quality is one type of Exploration metadata. Data quality is specified in standards but much potential metadata relating to quality and ultimately to fitness of use of the information, is omitted from these standards. For example there is no way to report on the semantic consistency of the data with other similar classifications, or to report the practical uses the information has been put to and the outcomes of those applications. The ultimate question is "who owns the metadata" and more specifically "who is responsible for the metadata". It is suggested that important metadata exists which is not currently reported to potential users. It is suggested that a refereed web site where interested parties can post such metadata may be a possible solution.