Editing of Library Metadata Records and its Effect on Subject Access: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract

The research project some of the most interesting results of which are reported in this paper sought to evaluate the change in the sample of MARC 21 library metadata records over a period of two years. The study assessed various quantitative and qualitative aspects of subject metadata change over time in library metadata records. This research reveals that both 6XX and non-6XX MARC subject metadata fields have received a high level of attention from metadata editors as expressed in overall metadata change frequency and variety of 3 subject metadata change categories and 17 subcategories observed. Results suggests the most frequently occurring categories and subcategories of change within the subject metadata fields in library metadata records, the subject metadata fields most widely applied in the records, and the ones most often undergoing changes, as well as the fields in which multiple subcategories of change often co-occur. The study is expected to make contribution to our understanding of subject metadata role and place in library metadata records, as well as understanding of library metadata change.