Detailed metadata document the subject of the research data, as well as how the data were generated, who collected, processed, or published them, and under what conditions (licence) they may be used. This provides the context necessary for proper interpretation. Metadata are essential for making data findable and citable. These details must be machine-readable.
A metadata schema is a list of standardised elements used to capture information about an object, such as a title/name, an identifier, the name of the creator, or a date. Using existing metadata schemas ensures compliance with international standards for data exchange.
Choose a suitable metadata schema that is appropriate for your subject and commonly used in your field or sector. Here, you will find recommendations for metadata structures.
To make content discoverable, research data should be described as consistently and completely as possible. Include enough information so that the data can be found, accessed, and understood later. Often, the metadata schema is predetermined by the repository. Some repositories also allow the use of custom metadata schemas. If so, use a schema established within your research community or recommended by the data platform that is well-suited for the type of digital object you are describing.
Consult the respective recommendations for the required elements in specific metadata schemas. Also, use optional elements that are additionally recommended to increase the discoverability and transparency of the dataset. Make sure your data can be found through various searches, including those based on subject matter.
Clearly specify which metadata schema you use and recommend to researchers (e.g. DataCite for RADAR).
Support data contributors in entering significant metadata by providing a structured form or a documented XML schema that explains the relevant metadata for discovery. Also, assist in the easy linking to authority data for relevant metadata entities. Facilitate the simple entry of additional optional metadata, such as the data’s origin and project context. Make it easy for the data contributor to carry out authority referencing for subject indexing.
In addition to form-based input, offer alternative methods for supplementing metadata, such as XML upload or API integration. For complex, multi-part research data sets, enable the provision of metadata for sub-levels or individual files contained within the set.
Validate whether the core elements of the metadata set have been fully populated.
Platforms focusing on cultural assets generally provide technical information pages as part of their service, to document the metadata schemas used.
Documentation of the metadata schema at RADAR. With metadata schema v. 9.1., RADAR allows comprehensive GND-referencing, including for the thematic indexing of research data.
Metadata documentation at cultural collection platforms: Europeana; Städel Museum Frankfurt; Getty Collections