Structural metadata can be defined as metadata required to describe the internal structure and the component relationships of a digital object.
Structural metadata contains information on how the digital object has been created, e.g. metadata collected when digitizing a book. The organisation should document relevant information about the ‘containers’ of the files in the structural metadata and decide what information is to be preserved and if a formal standard is to be used in preserving this type of metadata, for example: use of the METS standard.
Why
Structural metadata is important to be able to render the digital object authentically in the future.
Risks
Correctly rendering of the digital object may be lost if structural metadata is missing.
Management: defines metadata policies and the use of standards Technology Manager: responsible for ensuring the proper systems for rendering the metadata and the digital material
Cross Reference
Bit Preservation
Functional Preservation
Access
Authenticity
Standards
Examples
State and University Library, Denmark: “... and monitors the international development in metadata standards including descriptive, administrative (including technical) and structural metadata.” Source:, http://en.statsbiblioteket.dk/about-the-library/dpstrategy
Control Policy
Information on structure should be included
The METS files SHOULD be able to be validated
Questions to foster discussions
Has the organisation decided on a metadata schema for structural metadata?
