Using XML Schema with Embedded Schematron Rules for MODS Quality Control in a Digital Repository

Abstract

The Michigan State University Libraries Digital Repository relies primarily on MODS descriptive metadata to convey meaning to users and to improve discoverability and access to the libraries’ unique information resources. Because the repository relies on this metadata for so much of its functionality, it’s important that records are of consistently high quality. While creating a metadata guidelines document was an important step in assuring higher-quality metadata, the volume of MODS records made it impossible to evaluate metadata quality without some form of automated quality assessment. After considering several possible tools, an XML Schema with embedded Schematron rules was ultimately chosen for its customizability and capabilities. The two tools complement each other well: XML Schemas provide a concise method of dictating the structure of XML documents and Schematron adds more robust capabilities for writing detailed rules and checking the content of XML elements and attributes. By adding the use of this Schema to our metadata creation workflow, we’re able to catch and correct errors before metadata is entered into the repository.