Metadata for an intermediate object allows the gathering of digital files and metadata for the creation of presentations. Terminal Object - The terminal object is the digital content file or files that form the object. There is at least one terminal for each object. Names are intended to be easily comprehended and unambiguous. Definition is a brief description of the information contained in the element.
Function is an indicator of how the element is used.
Functions served by metadata elements are access management, administration, discovery, persistent identifier, presentation, digital preservation and preservation reformatting. Type is an indicator of the functions the metadata is intended to support. Use is an indicator of frequency and requirement of the element. Level is an indicator of position within the repository hierarchy that the element is meaningful. An example of data gathered for a letter from the Alexander Graham Bell Family Papers online collection shows metadata that is readily available for objects currently created, stored and delivered through the American Memory interface at the Library of Congress.