Metadata Literacy Lab

• Event type: Lecture & exercise
• Institution: Hamburg State and University Library
• Funding period: 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023

Extract from the funding application: "Knowledge of the diverse functions and possible applications of data about data is an essential prerequisite for successfully navigating data streams in digitized science. The Metadata Literacy Lab has set itself the task of teaching students how to deal with metadata, i.e. data about data."

Orientation of the Metadata Literacy Lab

As the structure of metadata depends on its intended use, practical examples were used to teach basic knowledge about different ontologies, their use and impact. This promotes a basic understanding of the mechanisms for collecting, managing, sharing and evaluating data. The tools and conditions of reuse are also examined. This knowledge can be used to take a critical look at research practices, in particular data selection, presentation and hierarchization (by search engines, for example). Data producers also develop skills with which they can independently optimize the quality of their data metadata.

The Metadata Literacy Lab was structured as a series of events in seven thematic blocks, each of which formed a closed learning unit with a lecture-style course and a practical exercise. The thematic blocks were designed by experts from the State and University Library. The exercises focused in particular on study and publication-relevant application scenarios, from literature research to publication in scientific journals.

Review and results

The project forms a competence interface between the library, studies and active research at the University of Hamburg. This involved a transfer of specialist skills between the library and university stakeholders on the importance and use of metadata in studies and academic work. Furthermore, the Metadata Literacy Lab made a direct contribution to data literacy education. The aim of data literacy is to enable students to deal critically with data and digital resources. This in turn relates to the collection, management, evaluation and subsequent use of data. And to enable this handling of data, we need data about data, i.e. metadata. The exercises in particular, in which the theory from the previous lecture was put into practice by the students, contributed to this.

In terms of content, the evaluation of the quality of metadata, the various research options of a diverse resource portfolio and the insight into the field of open science played an important role in supporting students in their scientific work and critically reflecting on the potential pitfalls. Students gained theoretical and practical knowledge of the complexity of data flows in the context of information procurement and evaluation.

The medium-term goal is to sustainably integrate the series developed as a pilot project at the SUB into the institutional structures. The practical experience gained from the project will be incorporated into the methodological and content-related further development of the format as well as the conception of new thematic blocks. In addition to the further development of the content, the aim is to expand the offer in line with demand. In particular, a differentiation of the target groups is planned so that the partially different needs of first-year students compared to doctoral students and postdocs can be addressed more precisely.

Tips from lecturers for lecturers

Where possible, lecturers can use supporting digital formats, e.g. sandbox systems, Hedgedoc as a collaborative writing tool or mentis for low-threshold surveys. It is also important that lecturers gain experience with the university's digital learning platform in order to provide students with the best possible support. In terms of didactics, the present concept with the involvement of various teaching staff had to take into account that short introductions and summaries should make the common thread visible to the students.

Persons involved

Nele Leiner

Director SUB Hamburg

Main focus:

• Project coordination Metadata Literacy Lab

Prof. Robert Zepf

Managing Director SUB Hamburg

Focal points:

• Digital research services
• Development of third-party funded projects
• Education and training in the library and information sector

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