The IMDI (ISLE Metadata Initiative) Editor is used to create metadata for resource files that are going to be uploaded into the archive. The IMDI file is the metadata file that the resource files will link to. The IMDI file with the joint resource files is referred to as the session resource bundle. The best way to imagine this is as a vessel that contains all the media, text, annotation and lexical data, plus the metadata describing these resource files. This is why in the IMDI browser the IMDI file is represented graphically as a bag.

Note

A brief note on the use of the term session: You will notice, when talking with a corpus manager, or the Digi-Team, conflicting use of the term session. So, to clarify: to the Digi-Team session is the section of media you want cut from your DMF that you want to describe with metadata and upload to the archive. To a corpus manager session can be one of two things: the IMDI file and its attached media and resource files, a session resource bundle to give it its full title, or just another term for an IMDI file that has been archived. The two parties have tried to come to some consistent non-conflicting language, but old habits take time to change, so please be patient.

Regarding metadata, this really is not an area where you want to think of cutting corners. If you approach making your IMDI files just with a view to getting your media viewable in the IMDI browser, you will end up with a potentially dull corpus that will not reflect the effort you made in creating this body of work in the first place. Yes, you will need to supply a minimal metadata description to actually get media digitized in the first place, but you will be required to embellish this minimal amount to archive the resource. Imagine listening to a record with no information other than the artist and the title of the track you are currently listening to. Now imagine listening to the same record, but having the album cover in your hands with all the information regarding the recording on it, plus literature relating to the artist, supporting players, technical roles, reviews of the recording, liner notes relating to the motivation behind the album and links to outside information. You have to admit that the latter would add to a much richer listening experience. Which way would you prefer the future public research community to see your corpora?

Lastly, regarding metadata in the archive, remember that all information in your IMDI file is open; this data can’t be blocked from Internet searches. So, bear this in mind if you are going to use people’s names, addresses/email addresses, etc. This is particularly relevant regarding the Actors’ data.