Summary Here is a summary of the points discussed above that I think we as librarians involved in bibliographic data can bring to the table when discussing access to resources on the Web with members of other communities. Perhaps one of the most important ideas we can bring is that some of the following at first glance seem contradictory, but each has its flavor of truth. We can help achieve the appropriate balance among the implications of each of these ideas to bring about an information world optimized for success. We librarians have knowledge and experience to bear on the issue. Information resources and metadata that describe them are complex and unruly.
Standards are valuable.
Use existing standards when feasible. Metastandards can be valuable. Different communities may need different standards. Standards are not always worthwhile or enforceable. Changes to standards need to be communicated about both beforehand and afterwards.