Metadata elements and standards
Metadata elements, or defined fields in an information system that must be filled in when describing digital objects, are used to structure and standardise information about datasets.
In electronic information systems, including repositories and catalogues, these fields are populated with certain values and subject to certain rules, such as the Permanent Identifier (PID) assigned to the dataset or the format of the file.
The set of metadata elements, their order of completion and conditions form the metadata schema. If the schema has been developed by experts or institutions, these guidelines may become the metadata standard. For research data, industry-specific metadata standards are preferred, but multidisciplinary standards are also widely used, including in repository functionality. In general, a standardised approach to metadata helps to ensure consistency in the use of metadata.
The most common generic metadata standards or schemas for research data:
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Dublin Core: The most common metadata standard, supporting the description of the widest range of resources
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DataCite Metadata Schema: A set of mandatory metadata to be provided DataCite Metadata Store system when creating a DOI persistent identifier for a dataset
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DDI – Data Documentation Initiative: A widely used international standard for describing data in the social, behavioural and economic sciences
Steps for selecting a metadata standard
The choice of an appropriate metadata standard for describing and sharing research data often depends on the repository in which the data will be hosted. It is recommended to make this choice in the following order.
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Analysis of metadata standards in the study area: examine which metadata standards are most commonly used in a given scientific field (e.g. biomedicine, social sciences, geography)
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Identifying data types and properties: identify the type of data (quantitative, qualitative, images, video, geospatial, etc.), understand its structure and layout. This will help you to identify what metadata standards and requirements are needed
-
Choosing the right repositoryIdentify repositories that are appropriate to the scope and data types of the study and check their requirements for metadata standards
-
Selection and use of a metadata standard: research which metadata standards are supported in the selected repository (Dublin Core, DataCite, DDI or sector-specific) and work with those that best fit the needs of the study. Ensure that data are described as fully as possible
-
Documentation of choice: specify the chosen metadata standard in the data management plan
Metadata elements and standards
Metadata elements, or defined fields in an information system that must be filled in when describing digital objects, are used to structure and standardise information about datasets.
In electronic information systems, including repositories and catalogues, these fields are populated with certain values and according to certain rules, such as the Permanent Identifier (PID) assigned to the dataset or the format of the file.
The set of metadata elements, their order of completion and conditions form the metadata schema. If the schema has been developed by experts or institutions, these guidelines may become the metadata standard. For research data, industry-specific metadata standards are preferred, but multidisciplinary standards are also widely used, including in repository functionality. In general, a standardised approach to metadata helps to ensure consistency in the use of metadata.
The most common generic metadata standards or schemas for research data:
-
Dublin Core: The most common metadata standard, supporting the description of the widest range of resources
-
DataCite Metadata Schema: A set of mandatory metadata to be provided DataCite Metadata Store system when creating a DOI persistent identifier for a dataset
-
DDI – Data Documentation Initiative: A widely used international standard for describing data in the social, behavioural and economic sciences
Steps for selecting a metadata standard
The choice of an appropriate metadata standard for describing and sharing research data often depends on the repository in which the data will be hosted. It is recommended to make this choice in the following order.
-
Analysis of metadata standards in the study area: examine which metadata standards are most commonly used in a given scientific field (e.g. biomedicine, social sciences, geography)
-
Identifying data types and properties: identify the type of data (quantitative, qualitative, images, video, geospatial, etc.), understand its structure and layout. This will help you to identify what metadata standards and requirements are needed
-
Choosing the right repositoryIdentify repositories that are appropriate to the scope and data types of the study and check their requirements for metadata standards
-
Selection and use of a metadata standard: research which metadata standards are supported in the selected repository (Dublin Core, DataCite, DDI or sector-specific) and work with those that best fit the needs of the study. Ensure that data are described as fully as possible
-
Documentation of choice: specify the chosen metadata standard in the data management plan
