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Metadata Basics

Research Data Management (RDM) and Metadata

RDM refers to the storage, access, curation, and preservation of research data. Research data is typically stored in repositories, which require the depositor to create metadata to support any submitted datasets. Research data typically uses unique identifiers to organize the location of digital resources.

There are a number of common open source repository platforms, including Dataverse, CKAN, and DSpace. Each platform uses its own metadata schema. Further, each of these platforms can be adapted by an institution. Examples include:

  • UBC has a Dataverse for licensed data called Abacus
  • Scholars Portal Dataverse is based out of University of Toronto and contains data from a number of institutions (55 schools) across Canada (including UBC)
  • The Government of Canada’s Open Data portal uses CKAN

Canada’s Federated Research Data Repository (FRDR) aggregates data from different repositories across Canada

For more information, explore UBC Library: Research Data Management.

Why is metadata important for research data? Metadata play a large role in the facilitation of FAIR Principles.

FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable

“FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship” - published in Scientific Data, 2016. www.go-fair.org/fair-principles