Metadata for Data Management: A Tutorial: Best Practices

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.

Metadata Best Practices

Good data documentation is essential in order to find, use, share, and manage data, especially over time. This includes information such as:

The context of data (why and how data was collected)
The structure of data (including how multiple files relate to each other)
Quality assurance that data is complete and uncorrupted
Information on data confidentiality, access and use conditions (where applicable)
Identification and tracking of different versions of datasets

Resources for More Information

All Best Practices (DataONE)
This is an alphabetical list of many best practices for metadata.
Best Practices for Writing Metadata
This guide from the United States Geographical Survey includes tips for writing high quality metadata, detailed information for creating a title in metadata, and selecting informative keywords.
Data Management Plan Guide
This UNC Libraries guide discusses what goes into a data management plan, agency guidelines, and useful tools.
Educational Modules on Metadata (DataONE)
These modules on metadata (and many other data-related topics) are Powerpoint slides for you own use or to incorporate into teaching.
Primer on Data Management: What you always wanted to know (DataONE)
This primer gives a detailed overview of data management throughout the research life cycle.

Still have questions?

If you would like assistance creating your data management plan or did not find the information you needed here, please contact us at dataplan@listserv.unc.edu. We provide guidance and resource referrals to help UNC faculty, staff and students with data management and developing their data management plans.

UNC federally funded researchers, for in-depth review and assistance creating your data management plans in compliance with federal requirements, contact UNC's Research Data Management Core for assistance.

Finished!

Return to the Research Data Toolkit