Lessons Learned in Implementing the Extended Date/Time Format in a Large Digital Library

Abstract

In 2012, the University of North Texas (UNT) Libraries implemented the Library of Congress Extended Date/Time Format (EDTF) into the metadata guidelines for their digital holdings which now contain more than 460,000 records. This paper discusses the evaluation process to identify the number of previously-existing dates that meet EDTF standards and those that need to be edited for conformance. It also outlines practical steps used for implementing the standard, such as date validation for metadata creators and changes to date displays for public users. Finally, it presents some of the challenges encountered during the implementation process and considerations for other institutions that may want to use the EDTF.