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Metadata for Data Management: A Tutorial: Basic Elements

Library Data Services

Library Data Services caters to researchers interested in working with data, mapping, texts, visualization, and technology. Many of these services are available online. Davis Library Data Services, located on the second floor of Davis Library, offers:

  • A computing lab with specialized software for GIS and data visualization & analysis.
  • Walk-in assistance provided by knowledgeable student consultants during set hours
  • Consultations with specialists for more in-depth inquiries (by appointment).
  • Spaces for collaboration and presentation, complete with white boards and external displays.
  • Technology short courses and programs that promote digital scholarship.

Recommended Minimum Metadata Elements

The following are recommended as a minimum set of metadata elements. It is important to select a metadata standard or schema appropriate to your discipline and/or repository and consult that schema for complete information on each element. You may choose to use more elements based on the needs of your project, the expectations of your discipline, and/or the requirements of your repository.

Title/Name – Name given to the resource.

Description – A description of the resource and its spatial, temporal or subject coverage.

Format – File format, physical medium, dimensions or file size of the resource, and/or hardware and software needed to access the data.

Metadata – Description of the metadata to be provided along with the generated data and a discussion of the metadata standards used, including the version of the schema and where the schema can be found.

Identifier – A unique identification code, such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), assigned to the resource, usually generated by the repository.

Rights Holder – The entities or persons who hold the rights to the data.

Rights – Information about the rights held in and over the resource.

Contact Information – Identity of, and means to communicate with, the persons or entities associated with the data.

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