27 Choosing Subjects and Keywords

Metadata is data that refers to other data.  Metadata is important because it provides an accurate description of your work.  It can also make your work much easier to find, because most research databases don’t search the full-text, just the metadata.

In the case of your thesis, metadata includes information such as author, title, abstract, subject, and keywords.  You will include metadata about your thesis when you register on ProQuest.  Some of this information can be taken straight from your thesis, such as the title, author, and your abstract text.  Other information, such as subject categories and keywords, will require you make some decisions.

Both subject headings and keywords describe your thesis and make it more easily discoverable to readers.  When registering on ProQuest, you will need to select at least one, but up to three subject categories that best fit your thesis.  ProQuest subject categories are used to index theses and dissertations in the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global database.  You can find the subject categories on the ProQuest website here.

You also have the option of selecting up to six keywords that describe your work.  As you think through what your keywords might be, keep the following in mind:

• Accurate keywords are important. They function as search terms and can help make your work more discoverable.
• As you start to compile your keywords, think about the main topics from your thesis and what words you might use to describe them.
• Consider your audience. If you were searching for information about your topic, think about what words you might use. What about someone new to the topic?
• Find a balance between too narrow and too broad. If a keyword is too narrow, interested readers might not think to use it.  If too broad, it might lose meaning.
• Keywords can be be several words or short phrases. They don’t need to be single words.
• If you use abbreviations or acronyms, make sure to include the full term as well.
• Don’t use abstract ideas, implied concepts, or adjectives by themselves. Aim for clarity.
• Choose keywords that don’t already appear in your title or abstract text.