How to Use Metadata to Maximize Data Usefulness

Metadata, or detailed information about data collections, are crucial for maximizing their usefulness. They allow users to understand and use the data without needing to contact the data producers. Good metadata standardize data descriptions, improve understanding, facilitate searches, and enhance web display.

At ICPSR, metadata are created primarily from information provided by data producers and metadata specialists. Data producers should submit the following at minimum:

• Clear and consistent titles (i.e., Title, Location, and Years would appear on the ICPSR site as “Aging in Women, United States, 2005-2006”).
• Project description, including goals, main topics, and methodology
• Principal Investigator (PI) names and organizational affiliations
• Dates of data collection
• Intended unit of analysis (who or what is being studied)
• Sample description
• Universe description
• Project/study website, if available
• Funding sources) and grant number(s)

Please review the ICPSR Metadata Documentation Portal to learn more about the study-level metadata to include with your data deposit.