Taxonomy and Metadata: An Introduction
You've probably come across taxonomy and metadata at some point in your DAM journey. Delving into organisational hierarchies can be overwhelming—categorisation is surprisingly scientific. This article provides a simple overview answering: What is taxonomy and metadata? Why are they important? How can I utilise them in my DAM platform?
What is Taxonomy and Metadata?
Metadata
Metadata is essentially 'data about data'. It is information about the attributes and provenance of individual assets. Metadata can include publication or creation dates, creator information, file size, category, licence information, and more.
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is all about classification. In DAM, taxonomy specifically refers to the label used to classify and categorise digital assets. It helps establish hierarchical structures for arranging, organising, and distributing content intuitively based on end-user needs.
Why Are They Important?
Without an organised scheme, organisations face significant challenges managing daily digital assets. An efficient metadata structure ensures data follows the FAIR principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.
Establishing a logical and consistent taxonomy within your DAM provides a consistent language for users to find digital assets. It enables navigation through predefined categories, helping colleagues create content, share information, and navigate efficiently.
Developing Your Metadata Strategy
Consider what business problems metadata solves, who uses it, and what information matters most. The Dublin Core offers 15 core metadata elements including: Contributor, Coverage, Creator, Date, Description, Format, Identifier, Language, Publisher, Relation, Rights, Source, Subject, Title, and Type.
Developing Your Taxonomy Strategy
Begin with four to five broad, shallow topics. Consult colleagues—they'll use the platform and provide invaluable guidance. Additional tips include:
- Audit existing assets to understand material and interactions comprehensively
- Brainstorm taxonomy options through iterative mapping and ideation
- Acknowledge user differences while maintaining organisational consistency across departments
- Repeat regularly as organisations evolve; amendment ensures continued DAM value
