Our production standards and specifications
Metadata
We use metadata extensively to enable our users to find relevant resources on the LTS Online Service, so it is very important that it is comprehensive and accurate.
These pages and documents explain our approach to metadata, give guidance on cataloguing and provide the controlled vocabularies that we use.
Metadata Strategy
Our Metadata Strategy explains how metadata is used to aid the description and discovery of resources that form a key part of the LTS Online Service.
Word file: Metadata Strategy (96 KB)The strategy covers three areas
1. The Information Model
This describes the structure of the metadata model, what the elements are, their definition, format and obligation, and how they map to the IEEE LOM standard. The model is presented as a table for ease of interpretation.
2. The Metadata Taxonomies
These are the controlled vocabularies used as part of the LTS Metadata Information Model.
3. Cataloguing Guidelines
The cataloguing guidelines explain how each of the metadata elements is used to create a high quality record.
Taxonomies are presented as expanding lists in our content management system with the branches and sub-branches in alphabetical order.
Metadata taxonomies
These are the controlled vocabularies used as part of the LTS Metadata Information Model.
The simple vocabularies are available as MS Word documents and the hierarchical vocabularies are available as mind maps.
Mindmap file: Target Audience (23 KB)Target audience
Definition: Principal user(s) for whom the item was designed.
Educational level
Definition: The educational level at which a resource is designed to support a learner.
Context
Definition: The principal educational environment(s) within which the item is intended to be used.
Intended end user
Definition: The normal user of the learning resource.
Technical format
Definition: The technical data type. Includes non-digital or physical resources such as CD-ROMs or video tapes.
Concept
Definition: Refers to the item type, for example case study, portfolio, lesson plan, etc.
Nature
Definition: Describes the nature of the content in terms of image, text, sound, etc.
Language of item
Definition: The primary human language or languages used within the item to communicate to the intended user.
Language of user
Definition: The primary language of the end user.
Coverage
Definition: The school, local authority or region to which the item applies.
Subject: National Qualifications taxonomy
Definition: National Qualifications taught in Scotland's secondary schools and further education colleges lead to recognised awards. Learners can gain the skills for career progression, rewarding employment and lifelong learning.
Available from the Vocabulary Bank service supported by Becta.
Subject: Community Learning and Development taxonomy
Definition: The Community Learning and Development taxonomy contains subjects relevant to informal education and community-related issues. It is derived from topics associated with informal education and not from an authoritative source.
Subject: Early Years taxonomy
Definition: The Early Years curriculum contains subjects based on 'A Curriculum Framework for Children 3 to 5', which details the relevant hierarchy of subjects.
Subject: 5-14 taxonomy
Definition: The 5-14 curriculum taught in Scotland's primary and secondary schools follows a number of guidelines in environmental studies, health, ICT and 'The Structure and Balance of the Curriculum'.
Available from the Vocabulary Bank service supported by Becta.