[Description and integration of biomedical information resources by metadata]

With the development and utilization of computer techniques, Internet is playing an important role in information dissemination. There are abundant biomedical resources on the Internet. Accessing biomedical information is more dependent on the Internet than ever. It is important to explore new methods to describe and manage information resources. We have analyzed biomedical databases, search engines, web sites, and the metadata adopted by biomedical databases. The results show that biomedical information resources are characterized by electronic format, networking, dynamia, and dispersion. Describing a resource with metadata allows it to be understood by both humans and machines in ways that promote interoperability. Metadata interoperability has to be the underlying principle for networked information management. It directly impinges on information sharing, interchange, and accessibility across the boundaries of systems, languages, and geographic locations. We can use metadata to describe biomedical information and to integrate resources. It will benefit the people to access, select, and utilize biomedical information resources.