Which process helps ensure resources can be found via search terms using descriptive data such as author and keywords?

Which process helps ensure resources can be found via search terms using descriptive data such as author and keywords?

• A. Metadata
• B. Diversity (Collection Development)
• C. Weeding
• D. Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Answer: (A)

Descriptive data about a resource makes it discoverable. Metadata collects information such as author, title, subject headings, keywords, and other descriptors and stores it with the resource. When a user searches using terms like an author’s name or relevant keywords, the search system uses this metadata to match and return the most relevant items. This indexing of descriptive data is what enables resources to be found through search terms. Other options don’t focus on making items searchable: weeding removes materials, Interlibrary Loan handles borrowing, and diversity efforts relate to building a varied collection.

Descriptive data about a resource makes it discoverable. Metadata collects information such as author, title, subject headings, keywords, and other descriptors and stores it with the resource. When a user searches using terms like an author’s name or relevant keywords, the search system uses this metadata to match and return the most relevant items. This indexing of descriptive data is what enables resources to be found through search terms. Other options don’t focus on making items searchable: weeding removes materials, Interlibrary Loan handles borrowing, and diversity efforts relate to building a varied collection.