元数据是关于数据的数据,可以用来描述数字信息资源,促进网络信息资源的开发、管理和利用.文章采用CiteSpaceⅢ对元数据领域的文献共引关系进行可视化分析,探究元数据的发展趋势.在分析关键节点的基础上,归纳出元数据研究领域的经典文献以及该领域发展过程中出现的4个主要研究方向.这一结果有助于进一步了解元数据研究过程中的新趋势及发展脉络.“,”Metadata is the data about data. It could be used to describe digital information and improve the level of developing, organizing and using web resources. This paper provides a visualization analysis on the co-citation relation on the literatures in international metadata research fields by using CiteSpace III. Results clearly show the pivotal nodes in metadata research history. Based on these pivotal nodes, it could easily distinguish the classic literatures and four re-search fronts emerged in the metadata research history. The results will promote further understanding in emerging trends in metadata research field.