Purpose – The aim of this research was to examine the use of the data island method for creating metadata records based on DCXML, MARCXML, and MODS with indexability and visibility of element tag names in web search engines. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 600 metadata records were developed in two groups (300 HTML-based records in an experimental group with special structure embedded in the <?pre> tag of HTML based on the data island method, and 300 XML-based records as the control group with the normal structure). These records were analyzed through an experimental approach. The records of these two groups were published on two independent websites, and were submitted to Google and Bing search engines. Findings – Findings show that all the tag names of the metadata records created based on the data island method relating to the experimental group indexed by Google and Bing were visible in the search results. But the tag names in the control group\'s metadata records were not indexed by the search engines. Accordingly it is possible to index and retrieve the metadata records by their tag name in the search engines. But the records of the control group are accessible by the element values only. The research suggests some patterns to the metadata creators and the end users for better indexing and retrieval. Originality/value – The research used the data island method for creating the metadata records, and deals with the indexability and visibility of the metadata element tag names for the first time.

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