Descriptions are the key to finding resources in LionShare.  By default, LionShare uses a shortened version of the Dublin Core for holding the auto-generated description.  The user has the option of using other description formats or to create their own. There are several different formats provided, namely Dublin-Core Default, Dublin Core, and the License View. 

Additionally, formats can be created by using the Customize tab and saving an ontology for future use. The saved ontology will then be available in the Select View pull-down for future use. Users also have the option of Adding or Removing elements in the schema. Another feature that is part of the description Editor is the ability to add a Creative Commons license to the file.  This provides a way to attach a license to the description.

To add a description:
1. Select the Library tab.
2. Select the desired file shared file from the Shared folder.
3. Select the Describe tab to open the Description Editor dialog box.
4. Add descriptive information into the fields provided.
5. Use the Customize tab to a add or remove fields from the data structure.
6. Save the description.

To use Select Views to navigate a description:
1. Go to the Library tab.
2. Select a file to view.
3. Select Describe button to open the Description Editor dialog box.
4. Select View pull-down to select from default views (Dublin-Core, License-View, Dublin-Core default).
5. View will be changed to View Selected.

To add a Creative Commons license:
1. Select the Library tab.
2. Select the desired file shared file from the Shared folder.
3. Select the Describe tab to open the Description Editor dialog box.
4. Select License-View from Select View pull-down.
5. Answer the Creative Commons License questions to select preferences.
6. Select the Apply License check box.
7. Select the Save tab.