Metadata Documentation

Why is Metadata Documentation Important?

Giving researchers quality metadata documentation allows for improved data discovery, contextualization and use.  The NORC Data Enclave is committed to implementing industry standards and best practices in this area.

What are Metadata?

Common among the various definitions of metadata are the notions of "descriptive data" and "structure". In reality metadata exists everywhere in very common forms. Metadata is the formal term for descriptive information about a digital or physical object such as a person, place, thing, or even an activity. "Structure" refers to how this descriptive information is presented. A phone directory (contact metadata about people and organizations) and a library catalog (bibliographic metadata about documents) are two examples of structured metadata. Metadata is most often used as a tool for resource discovery - the information that can be searched to locate a digital or physical object.

Metadata and the Data Life Cycle

Surveys and the collection of administrative records are not static processes. Rather, they evolve dynamically across time and involve many moving parts and players. Metadata are a crucial component to capturing knowledge that ultimately informs decision makers. Enclave staff works closely with data producers to ensure that all deposited datasets and metadata are documented appropriately using the Microdata Management Toolkit, a product developed by the World Bank Data Group for the International Household Survey Network. In this manner, all data in the enclave are consistent with international standards and best practices for microdata documentation, dissemination and preservation.