Providing Quality Rights Metadata for Digital Collections Through RightsStatements.org

Authors

  • Linda Ballinger Penn State University
  • Brandy Karl Penn State University
  • Anastasia Chiu Stony Brook University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/palrap.2017.157

Abstract

In April 2016, the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) and Europeana officially introduced RightsStatements.org, a new controlled vocabulary for international, standardized, machine-operable statements about the copyright status of digital resources. This article describes the rights statements, provides guidance and examples on how to apply the most common ones, and addresses common pitfalls. It outlines how assigning rights statements fits into the digital resources workflow at Penn State, including contributing to the DPLA through PA Digital, Pennsylvania’s Service Hub. Finally, it offers suggested resources for libraries and other cultural heritage institutions to help make their own rights determinations when they lack the expertise of a copyright officer.

Author Biographies

Linda Ballinger, Penn State University

Metadata Strategist, Cataloging and Metadata Services

Brandy Karl, Penn State University

Copyright Officer, Penn State University

Anastasia Chiu, Stony Brook University

Cataloging & Metadata Librarian, Cataloging Department

Formerly at Temple University Libraries

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Published

2017-10-31

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2017)

Section

Practice

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Revised 7/21/2020. Revision Description: Updated to APA 7th style.