What are metadata?

What is a metadata file and why is it required?

Metadata provide information about a data collection. In a data archive, each folder must include a metadata file that describes the folder's contents and how these relate to the document, e.g. describe which data files were used to plot a particular figure, or which parameters were used to generate the simulated datasets used for the publication. Descriptive metadata files should allow for accessibility of a data archive regardless of the availability of the original author. The metadata file in the (main folder of the) archive must always contain a formatted description of the publication or thesis. For journal papers and book chapters, use the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics journal format for the bibliographic reference. Do not abbreviate the author list to et al., and include the DOI of the paper (can be found through Web of Science).

Metadata file name: read_me_first.txt

1. For a journal paper or book chapter: the complete reference.
   For a MSc thesis: the complete description including the student's s-number and the project supervisors.
   For a PhD thesis: the complete description including the promotores.
2. A short description of all data files in the folder.
3. If relevant: A short description of external data sets used for the publication, including a reference to their home institute & the principal scientist responsible for their quality.
4. A short description of the purpose of program code and script files in the archive, and their associated parameter files.
5. If relevant: references to any on-line programs that were used to produce (parts of) the publication.
6. Contact information of the first author or (daily) supervisor.