[Purpose/significance] The paper probes into the metadata problem and solution of the resource discovery system.[Method/process] By the literature review and content analysis, taking the four widely-used resource discovery systems as the research objects from the perspective of metadata, and combined with the investigation, test and implementation of the resource discovery system project, and the integration and management practice of the electronic resources metadata of Wuhan University Library, this paper analyzes the existing metadata problems of the resource discovery system in China from four aspects of metadata warehouse, metadata quality, metadata evaluation, service and cooperation. [Result/conclusion] It points out that the metadata problems of the resource discovery system can't be ignored and must be solved for its prosperous development, and provides the thought and suggestions from five aspects, which include metadata description, metadata warehouse, metadata quality management, metadata evaluation, service and cooperation.