Liddy Nevile

Why is accessibility metadata proving difficult

Accessibility metadata is simply metadata that describes the accessibility of resources and services, usually those on, or available through, the web. Awareness of widespread web content inaccessibility led to work being done to develop guidelines for authors and others to make sure that content would be more accessible to those with special access needs, especially those with disabilities who were being disenfranchised by their lack of access to the web. Currently, work is being done to find ways of signalling the degree of accessibility of resources, and ways of matching resources to searches and people. In addition, accessibility metadata could be used to repair some inaccessibility problems on the fly. This paper describes some of the work being done and the problems that have contributed to make the progress comparatively slow.

Enabling resource selection based on written English and intellectual competencies

A growing number of people are using the Web to access English-language resources, among other things. In Asian countries, for example, many people want access to English texts. Many Asians are not as competent reading English as they may be in the intellectual content of their domain. The problem of accessibility to English texts is significant simply because of the number of people involved. The problems for second language English readers are similar to those for many dyslexic first language readers. We propose a descriptive model that supports adaptability of texts for the benefit of such people based on FRBR and AccessForAll standards.

Personalization and accessibility: integration of library and web approaches

This paper describes personalization metadata standards that can be used to enable individuals to access and use resources based on a users particular requirements. The paper describes two approaches which are being developed in the library and Web worlds and highlights some of the potential challenges which will need to be addressed in order to maximise interoperability. The paper concludes by arguing the need for greater dialogue across these two communities.

Dublin core and museum information: metadata as cultural heritage data

In 2000, the museum community reported on the use of Dublin Core metadata in the museum context and proposed a broader set of elements for museums. Since then, Dublin Core metadata has evolved and it is now possible to use rich descriptions (data) and Semantic Web technologies and maintain the interoperability of Dublin Core metadata. This paper reviews the museum experience in the light of developments in the DCMES. It is based on recent experience with a virtual museum of Indigenous culture using Metadata Application Profiles (MAPs) and schema cross-walks.