Adding metadata to images

Please note: this is a temporary test document for use in internal testing only.

Introduction to image metadata

Images are often used in web pages, for one of two reasons: sometimes they're simply decorative, but at other times they convey contextually important information, for example a maths module image showing the different types of triangle.

For decorative images, metadata is not required, and the accessibility guidelines state that the alt tag isn't required either. You can add the images directly in your web page in Drupal, and you won't be asked to add any further metadata.

For editorially important images, i.e. those conveying information, it's already a requirement to add information for accessibility (using an alt tag and adding a textual equivalent) so all users can benefit from these. In addition, metadata should be added to enable users to retrieve this image when searching, focusing on the five main fields listed here. The metadata is added within Documentum, where this type of image is stored.

1. Title metadata

If the image already has a title, provide it, as is.

Otherwise create one that is succinct but descriptive, avoiding abbreviations and acronyms.

If you must use acronyms, spell them out in the description.

2. Description

• Think about the different aspects of the image, perhaps using the Five W’s:– What type of image is it? (What does it depict, what

concepts does it represent?)– Who appears or is represented in the image?– When – is it day, night, a particular event or era?– Where – is there a location/place/building

represented in the image?– Why – consider the purpose or message the image

is trying to communicate.

3. Categories

These are simply high level subjects/themes that you can add so images can be grouped together.

4. Keywords

Think about what someone will search for when looking for your image: people, places, colours, etc. Aim for at least five, but don't exceed 250 characters, and always use lowercase unless it is a proper name (e.g. Jennie Lee or Paris, France).

See our advice on [[how to choose keywords]] for further help.

5. Creator or photographer

Use the full name, in standard order of use, e.g. Simon Jones not S. Jones or Jones, S.

Image metadata example

Generic Specific Abstract

What certificate graduation celebrating

Who students female, male, graduates youth

When daytime afternoon holiday

Where seaside beach outdoors

Why learning qualification widening participation

Here we use the Five W’s approach to generate words for use in the description and keywords:

Image metadata example

Using these ideas, we might come up with this metadata:• Image title: Three BA graduates• Image description: Three people standing on a beach wearing

graduation gowns and holding certificates. They represent different genders, races, and ages. The students are smiling and celebrating their recent qualification.

• Image keywords (Equality and diversity team): cultural diversity, piercings, young female and male group, mixed race.

• Image keywords (Marketing team): graduation, qualification, BA graduates, certificates, robes, celebrating, seaside.