Survey of Cataloging & Metadata Librarians: Metadata Remediation Efforts

This comprehensive study provides critical insights into how metadata librarians—primarily from U.S. research universities—are planning and executing metadata remediation initiatives to improve discoverability, consistency, and accessibility in library catalogs and digital repositories. The report is based on detailed survey responses from 47 metadata librarians, offering a rich dataset that reflects current practices, challenges, and future plans in the field. The findings are broken out by key variables such as type of institution, college size and tuition level, and other variables allowing readers to benchmark their own practices against peer institutions. Key Findings from the Report Include: High Priority on Metadata Remediation Over 63% of respondents indicated that metadata remediation is a high or very high priority in their library’s strategic planning. Staffing Constraints Are a Major Barrier Nearly 58% cited insufficient staffing as the primary obstacle to undertaking large-scale remediation projects, with smaller institutions reporting even greater challenges. Use of Automation Tools Is Growing About 46.8% of librarians reported using automated tools or scripts to assist with metadata cleanup, particularly for MARC records and Dublin Core schemas. Focus on Subject Headings and Authority Control The most common areas targeted for remediation were subject headings (72.3%) and authority control (68.1%), reflecting a widespread effort to improve consistency and inclusivity. Collaboration Across Departments More than 40% of respondents noted cross-departmental collaboration—especially with IT and digital scholarship units—as essential to successful remediation efforts. Training and Professional Development Needs A significant 55.3% of librarians expressed a need for additional training in metadata standards and remediation techniques, with many advocating for more structured professional development opportunities.