Metadata is all of the data used to describe an asset. Acquia DAM Classic supports both IPTC and XMP Metadata Standards ensuring interoperability with other tools like Adobe Bridge and Lightroom.

Using metadata will increase the searchability of your assets. Plus, assets downloaded from Acquia DAM Classic retain their metadata. This embedded metadata is another layer of protection for your assets if they leave.

Keywords are a unique type of metadata, covered separately in Keyword best practices. Here are some recommended best practices to help get you started in your metadata efforts:

• Always add ownership or credit information to your assets for identification outside of Acquia DAM Classic.

• Add in usage terms for rights-managed assets to prevent any misuse.

• Add metadata to your assets as soon as you upload them into Acquia DAM Classic.

• Create predefined drop-down menus for commonly used data to prevent inconsistencies.

• Educate contributors responsible for adding metadata in Acquia DAM Classic, on your organization’s metadata strategy.

• Communicate to any external vendors your metadata requirements, such as “Photos must be submitted with the Usage Terms, Credit, and Location metadata already added.”

• Conduct regular audits to ensure metadata is being added properly.

When communicating information on your best practices for metadata and any processes surrounding it, ensure the end goal is clear as well. Adding metadata can be time consuming and tedious. Structured and consistent metadata is the foundation for building a asset management system that is highly searchable, easily browsed, and dependable for archiving.