Section outline

    • The DataCite Metadata Schema has become a de facto standard for describing research data. Despite all of its efforts to standardize metadata allocation, this schema offers a great deal of leeway and alternatives in detail. 

      • For example, it is optional to clearly identify languages used in the metadata either via ISO 639-1 or via IETF BCP 47 language tags. The value of metadata increases with its consistency, which is achieved through compliance with standards.

      This document is a guideline for the use of the official DataCite Metadata Schema documentation, version 4.4 (current version: 4.5). It is meant for researchers, IT and library support staff. 

      To create a DataCite XML file for the project you want to describe, we recommend to you to use the DataCite Metadata Generator. 

    • DataCite - General Best Practice A Book
      Here you will find the section General Best Practice.