Scaling Down to Scale Up: Streamlining Metadata Production for Mass Digitization Efforts

Departments looking to increase their digitization efforts from start-up project mode to a maturing digital library program may encounter growing pains when it comes to metadata production. Contrary to traditional cataloging processes that focus on the item in hand, metadata cataloging for digital library projects needs to be grounded in the notion of the collection. Included in this presentation are tips for "scaling up" metadata production through a collection-based approach, from practical tips on batch cataloging in a spreadsheet to a conceptual reorganization of digital collections to incorporate archival principles of hierarchical description.