Lecture Notes: Metadata and Documentation in Research Data Management

Introduction to Metadata

• Definition: Metadata is data that describes other data.
• Importance: Enables data to be found and reused.
• Difference from Documentation: Metadata records essential information in a highly structured way for machine readability.

Functions of Metadata

• Facilitates searching and finding data.
• Assesses data usefulness without downloading.
• Indicates data access and reuse conditions.
• Essential for making data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).

Types of Metadata

1. Descriptive Metadata:
   • Elements: Title, Author, Keywords.
   • Function: Helps discover data.
2. Technical Metadata:
   • Information: File access, type, size.
3. Administrative Metadata:
   • Elements: Intellectual property rights, license.
4. Structural Metadata:
   • Function: Shows relationships with other online resources.

Creation and Storage of Metadata

• Automatic Generation: By instruments like microscopes, telescopes, digital cameras.
• Manual Creation: Through notes, forms, lab notebooks.
• Storage:
  • Embedded within files.
  • As separate files (Readme, Spreadsheet).
• Examples: SPSS files, file headers, geospatial metadata.

Metadata in Data Repositories

• Role of Repositories: Help increase data FAIRness.
• Metadata Standards:
  • Definition: Widely accepted set of elements for describing resources.
  • Examples: Dublin Core, DataCite, Ecological Metadata Language, DDI.
  • Importance: Facilitates data exchange and interoperability.

Best Practices

• Familiarize with repository-required metadata.
• Document metadata during project to avoid reliance on memory.

Conclusion

• Metadata enhances data findability and usability.
• Data repositories are essential for managing machine-readable metadata.

For more information, visit the website mentioned in the lecture.