a method and system for allowing a user to define and use custom metadata is disclosed . the method and system include providing a network accessible server with a metadata library comprising a plurality of metadata vocabularies . the server allows the user to create a custom metadata vocabulary by displaying a user interface on a client computer in which the user specifies a plurality of properties defining the custom metadata vocabulary . when the custom metadata vocabulary is defined , it is stored in the metadata library for subsequent access . the method and system further allow the user to search the metadata library to select at least one of the metadata vocabularies to apply to an electronic resource .