Metadata Basics

Do you catalog? Plan digital projects? And want to better understand the role of metadata and how it works? This introduction explores the fundamentals of metadata, including its purposes and functions, infrastructure components, and history in libraries and archives. Participants will learn how metadata is expressed in XML, the role of structured data and markup, and the principles of well-formed XML for expressing metadata in online environments.

This course is the first of four courses in the Metadata Principles and Practices micro-credential. Participants interested in the micro-credential should begin the micro-credential pathway with this course.

* This course is eligible for micro-credentialing (optional) - What is micro-credentialing?

  1. Complete the following courses:
  2. Complete extra requirements for micro-credentialing participants:

Scheduled Dates

October 13, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Registation closes Oct 8, 2026 8:30am CT

Register
Learning objectives for this session may include:
  • Analyze the purpose and uses of metadata
  • Understand the role of metadata standards
  • Explain the importance of structured data
  • List rules for well-formed XML
Topic Area
Contact
learning@amigos.org
Session Duration
This course consists of one 2-hour session.
Contact Hours
2

Instructor(s)

Image
Elliot Williams portrait

Elliot Williams is the Metadata Strategist at the University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries and Museums.  He has more than 12 years of experience working in metadata and cataloging at academic libraries, previously having worked at the University of Miami and Texas Digital Library.  Elliot has masters' degrees in information studies from the University of Texas and history from the University of Miami.