A unified approach for representing metametadata

Abstract

Using metametadata like provenance on statement level has been proposed as a possible solution to some-if not most-problems that occur in a metadata aggregation context. Examples for these problems are the information loss that occurs during metadata format conversion or the alignment of disparate metadata quality. Until now, no feasible way to store and manage metametainformation has been proposed. In this paper, we suggest the use of RDF reification as an elegant way to fill this gap that in addition adheres to all standards and recommendations. We demonstrate this approach by the means of two scenarios: First, an enhancement for metadata crosswalks that supports the maintenance of the converted metadata, and second the use of metametadata for the efficient integration of subject annotations from different sources.