The information describing a dataset is known as metadata. Metadata can be generic (e.g. author, creation date, file size) or specific to a particular subject area or data type (e.g. cell volume, geographical coordinates).
Some disciplines have established rules on what metadata should accompany the data from these disciplines, and how these metadata should be structured. Such rules are called metadata standards. A catalogue of discipline-specific metadata standards can be found here.
There are also non-discipline-specific metadata standards. Dublin Core and DataCite are examples of generic metadata standards used to describe research data. In Europe, also the CERIF metadata standard is used for this purpose. CERIF is the main metadata standard used by the National Open Access Research Data Archive (MIDAS). MIDAS also allows the data to be additionally described using CIF, DICOM, and Dublin Core metadata formats.
Need some advice?
Questions on topics related to research data management can be directed to Dr Gintė Medzvieckaitė from the Scientific Information and Data Division.
Scholarly Communication and Information Centre
Saulėtekio al. 5 (Block B, 4th floor, Room 403)
Phone: +370 5 219 5062
Email:
Contact via MS Teams
The Scientific Information and Data Division also offers training events on topics related to Open Science and research data management. Please contact the Head of Scientific Information and Data Division Gitana Naudužienė if you would like to request a training activity in English (a group of 5 or more attendees is required).