Transforming Access: Inclusive Metadata for Audiovisual Resources

Abstract

Inclusive metadata and cataloguing practices for audiovisual resources continue to evolve, though aspects of the field remain ambiguous and fragmented.

This paper presents a collaborative, format-focused project examining accessibility metadata in audiovisual resources. This project originated within the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ (IFLA) Accessibility Metadata Network and brings together a team of two co-leads and five members. The team consists of members from North America and Europe with professional interests in audiovisual resources, cataloguing, discovery, and accessibility. The team conducted research and an environmental scan of inclusive metadata practices for audiovisual resources, drawing on members’ professional experience.

The group focuses on audiovisual multimedia resources as defined by the IFLA Guidelines for Audiovisual Resources in Libraries and Other Institutions. From an accessibility metadata lens, these resources often include features such as captions, audio description, playback speed, etc. Because of this, accurate and understandable vocabulary descriptions are important for supporting users with accessibility needs.

The paper will outline the first findings of the environmental scans around accessibility metadata and cataloguing. The project is organized into thematic areas including the general description or common characteristics of audiovisual resources in libraries, techniques in enhancing accessibility, user profiles, publication and distribution of audiovisual resources in libraries, cataloguing vocabularies and standards, and National Library/Special Library implications.

Although the paper does not provide a horizontal approach to the unsettled landscape of accessibility metadata for audiovisual resources, it reflects ongoing efforts in the field. Through searching and examining this complex environment, the findings show existing strengths and identify areas of weakness and gaps between key stakeholders.

Overall, the paper highlights the importance of collaboration and consensus of the efforts needed to improve the quality of accessibility metadata for audiovisual resources.

Keywords: accessibility, metadata, environmental scan, cataloguing, audiovisual resources