Usability of a metadata creation application for resource authors

This article analyzes resource authors’ use of a metadata creation application at the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Users’ behavior was observed as they created metadata, and feedback about the application was solicited. Data analysis focused on usability—specifically task structure, duration, user perceptions and researcher observations. Developing a conceptual understanding of metadata and its use in retrieval was challenging for users. The study identifies particular interface elements (e.g., input fields) as well as element semantics and syntax that impact application usability and metadata creation. Implications for information architecture and interface design include the need to incorporate metadata into user-centered design processes and develop advanced applications that reduce the burden on authors.