Why Am I Being Asked for Metadata About My Research Data?

This brochure explains why researchers should use metadata for their data collections.

  • Higher-degree researchers (HDRs) / PhD candidates
  • Early-/mid-career researchers (EMCRs)
  • Senior researchers
  • Data custodians/managers
  • Infrastructure providers (including research facilities)

By the end of reading this resource, you should understand:

  • why metadata is important for research data management
  • how metadata enables data discovery and reuse
  • best practices for documenting your research data collections
  • where to find support and additional resources for implementing metadata standards.

Why is metadata important? Read our short guide to find out.

The ARDC Data Retention Project has prepared this guide to explain why researchers should use metadata for their data collections. There’s also advice on where to get more help.

The information is suitable for researchers at any institution in Australia.

Version date: December 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778321
Licence: Creative commons 4.0
Attribution: Australian Research Data Commons

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Australian Research Data Commons 2021, Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data?, Zenodo, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322.
Australian Research Data Commons. (2021). Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data? Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322
Australian Research Data Commons. “Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data?” Zenodo, 2021, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322.
Australian Research Data Commons. Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data? Zenodo. 2021; Available from: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322.
Australian Research Data Commons. “Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data?” Zenodo, 2021. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322.
Australian Research Data Commons, “Why am I being asked for metadata about my research data?” Zenodo, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5778322.
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