def readLipd(usr_path=""):
    """
    Read LiPD file(s).
    Enter a file path, directory path, or leave args blank to trigger gui.

    :param str usr_path: Path to file / directory (optional)
    :return dict _d: Metadata
    """
    global cwd, settings, files
    if settings["verbose"]:
        __disclaimer(opt="update")
    start = clock()
    files[".lpd"] = []
    __read(usr_path, ".lpd")
    _d = __read_lipd_contents()
    end = clock()
    logger_benchmark.info(log_benchmark("readLipd", start, end))
    return _d