Summary reaction to: MODS: Metadata Object Description Schema,

Citation: Gartner, Richard. (October 2003). "MODS: Metadata Object Description Schema, JISC Report TSW 03-06.

The main issue in metadata that needs to be resolved is the balance of rich and precise description and the need for interoperability. As more detailed description is accommodated the ability to map and exchange data becomes compromised. After attending a recent pre-conference meeting at ALA, I have learned that although interoperability is a primary focus of emerging metadata trends, the realization of the idea is far from present in our current information environment

MODS is presented by Gartner as an attempt to "reconcile the conflicting demands of breadth and specificity. MODS can be applied to a wide range of materials, accommodating breadth, and allows elements to be qualified, satisfying the need for specificity. The author provides instructive information about certain elements in MODS and their use. This discourse highlights the advantages of MODS and the ability to control certain elements. The ability to utilize commonly used tools in MARC cataloging makes MODS an attractive option to traditional catalogers.

I believe that it will be difficult for the larger library community to see the benefits of MODS until there are several institutions using the standard. The article mentions the need for a critical mass, and I agree that will be the turning point for the acceptance of MODS.