Digital Knowledge (DK), the CPUT Institutional Repository, contains a collection of research materials, including theses, produced by CPUT staff and students.  In order to make this database searchable we use metadata that helps us arrange the database in a logical order.

Metadata is information about information.  For DK, metadata includes information such as the name of the author, the title of the document, the file format and type of document.  Metadata also describes the subject areas covered and whether or not the document may be reproduced or used under specific conditions or license agreements.

This image shows a typical DK metadata record containing the name of the author, the year the document was issued and short description and part of the abstract.

When search terms or key words used to find information through a web browser match the metadata used to describe an item, then your chances of finding that precise item are higher.  Metadata, therefore, helps you find or get closer to the information you’re looking for.

The following video explains how metadata is used in a library setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIMPESZplII

DK can be accessed at the following URL:  http://digitalknowledge.cput.ac.za/xmlui/.   DK is administered by the Institutional Repository Librarian:

Mr MP Snyders (snydersmp@cput.ac.za).