We rely on metadata to make everyday decisions at almost every turn, and different entities present that metadata to us to influence our choices. To determine which restaurant you will visit, you can go to an app such as Doordash, which will list names, types of food, hours of operation, locations, reviews, prices, etc.- granular information that assists you in where you choose to go.
Amazon.com encompasses metadata alongside the products being sold to provide context for the buyer to determine whether to continue with the purchase. Over the years, the metadata has expanded from simply an image of the product with purchase information to include ISBN, filter by price, filter by seller, comparisons, and video reviews. Below is an example of how we use metadata in everyday life from Gretchen L. Hoffman's book Organizing Library Collections: Theory and Practice.
| Metadata for Sofa on Wayfair.com | |
| Product Type | Loveseat |
| Design | Standard |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Upholstery Material | 100% Polyester |
| Leg Color | Black |
| Pattern | Solid |
| Frame Material | Solid Wood |
| Wood Construction Detail |
Espresso |
| Seat Fill Material | Foam |
| Back Fill Material | Foam |
| Seat Construction | Pocket Spring |
| Seat Style | Multiple cushion seat |
| Back Type | Pillow back |
| Toss Pillows Included | Yes |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Wood Species | Eucalyptus |
| Weight Capacity | 450 lbs |
1. Hoffman, G.L. (2019). Organizing Library Collections: Theory and Practice.
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