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IPS155 Stefan B. et al.

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An introduction to INEXDA’s metadata schema
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2
Stefan Bender , Brigitte Hausstein , Christian Hirsch 3
1 Head of Research Data and Service Centre, Deutsche Bundesbank.
2 GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences
3 Research Data and Service Centre, Deutsche Bundesbank.

Abstract
This paper introduces the metadata schema used by the international network
INEXDA to describe granular datasets from different countries. The schema,
agreed on by all members, facilitates a comprehensive inventory of existing
granular datasets conducted in the member institutions. This inventory, in
turn, will foster harmonisation activities between INEXDA members, broaden
metadata sharing and potentially future data sharing between institutions
represented in the network, and pave the way for metadata on publicly
available granular datasets to be shared with external researchers. The INEXDA
metadata schema was developed to be easily adaptable for non-INEXDA
institutions.

Keywords
Metadata, Microdata, International Network

1. Introduction
Metadata is essential for documenting data, citing it and finding it in
catalogues. Metadata can be defined simply as information about data, ie a
description of data. It is “...structured or semi-structured information which
enables the creation, management, and use of records [i.e. data] through time
and within and across domains in which they are created. Recordkeeping
metadata can be used to identify, authenticate, and contextualize records;
and the people, processes and systems that create, manage and maintain and
use them” (Wallace, 2001, p.255). Metadata provides a means for visibility and
presentation of data as well as discovery. It supports the re-use, management,
exchange and long-term preservation of data. “Data without metadata is just
stuff. Nobody needs more stuff today” (Recker, 2014).
The use of a metadata schema goes through various standardisation
phases, from which more or less binding metadata standards develop. If such
a standard is specified, documented and legally recognised, it is referred to as
a standard. In addition, there are de facto or quasi standards based on

1 The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the
Deutsche Bundesbank, GESIS, or the INEXDA Network.
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