What is Metadata?
Metadata is defined as a set of data that describes and gives information about other data. It is data about data. Metadata ensures that data is useful, manageable, and discoverable. It is information about the context, content, quality, provenance, and/or accessibility of data, and it is critical for ensuring the longevity and reproducibility of research data. Some basic characteristics of metadata include:
* Who created the data
* What the data file contains
* When the data were generated
* Where the data were generated
* Why the data were generated
* How the data were generated
A metadata standard or schema is a set group of elements that have been standardized for a particular field of research. A DMP should describe what metadata schema will be used and why that particular schema is appropriate for the research data that will be preserved. Some scientific disciplines have already established metadata standards for data sets. Additionally, some data repositories also have their own standards. This section will provide information on various metadata schemas and links to more information about them.
Metadata Standards
Common Metadata Schemas
- Dublin CoreThe Dublin Core Schema is a small set of vocabulary terms that can be used to describe web resources (video, images, web pages, etc.), as well as physical resources such as books or CDs, and objects like artworks. It has been widely adopted by the library community, and has been endorsed by the standards community (ETF, ISO, NISO) as well.
- DDI: Data Documentation InitiativeThe web site for the Data Documentation Initiative, an effort to create an international standard for describing data from the social, behavioral, and economic sciences.
- TEI: Text Coding InitiativeThe Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) is a consortium which collectively develops and maintains a standard for the representation of texts in digital form. Its chief deliverable is a set of Guidelines which specify encoding methods for machine-readable texts, chiefly in the humanities, social sciences and linguistics.
- EAD: Encoded Archival DescriptionEncoded Archival Description (EAD) is an XML standard for encoding archival finding aids, maintained by the Technical Subcommittee for Encoded Archival Description of the Society of American Archivists, in partnership with the Library of Congress
- PREMIS: Preservation Metadata Implementation StrategiesPREMIS is the international standard for metadata to support the preservation of digital objects and ensure their long-term usability. Developed by an international team of experts, PREMIS is implemented in digital preservation projects around the world, and support for PREMIS is incorporated into a number of commercial and open-source digital preservation tools and systems.
- METS: Metadata Expansion & Transmission StandardMETS is a metadata standard for encoding descriptive, administrative, and structural metadata regarding objects within a digital library, expressed using the XML schema language of the World Wide Web Consortium. The standard is maintained in the Network Development and MARC Standards Office of the Library of Congress, and is being developed as an initiative of the Digital Library Federation.
- MODS: Metadata Object Description SchemaMetadata Object Description Schema (MODS) is a schema for a bibliographic element set that may be used for a variety of purposes, and particularly for library applications.
Metadata Directories
- SAA Metadata DirectoryA very complete directory of various metadata schemas compiled by the Society of American Archivists
- Digital Curation CentreThis directory provides a list of formal metadata schemas and related standards giving brief descriptions and links to further information.
- Wiki MetadataThe Wikipedia page on Metadata Standards that includes a nice listing of subject specific metadata schema.
- Data Cite SchemaThe DataCite Metadata Schema is a list of core metadata properties chosen for an accurate and consistent identification of a resource for citation and retrieval purposes, along with recommended use instructions.
General Information on Metadata
- Metadata on WikipediaThe Wiki page with a wealth of information on metadata.
- Understanding MetadataThe NISO (National Information Standards Organization) booklet (in PDF format) on metadata.
- What is Metadata?An informative video on what metadata is and why it is important for researchers.
- Using Metadata StandardsA useful page on using metadata from the Digital Curation Centre.