There are many types of metadata standards. They may be generic or discipline-specific, internationally used or only locally used. Generic metadata standards, like Dublin Core, are easily and widely adopted but often need to be expanded to cover more specific information. Domain-specific metadata standards have a much richer vocabulary and structure that may be highly specialized and understandable only to researchers in that area. 

In any case, you should select a standard that will facilitate the management and preservation of your content and make sense for the users who will access and use your content. Your choice of metadata standard may also depend on the system you are using to create and store your metadata; standards and practices within your discipline, institution, or consortium; and requirements of the type of content you are describing. 

Whenever possible, you should use an established metadata standard appropriate to the content you are describing, rather than creating your own. If you find one that does not fit, you can modify it to better suit your needs. This may require developing an application profile, a document that describes the use of metadata elements declared in a metadata standard and/or schema for a specific application or use case. 

The Library’s Metadata and Discovery Unit provides metadata advice and support.  To ask a question, set up a consultation, or learn more about our services, contact us.