How to Use the Guides

Completely new to dealing with metadataData about data. Metadata provides a context for research findings, ideally in a machine-readable format. It enables discovery of data via an electronic interface, and correct use and attribution of findings. Related Guide? Feeling confused and overwhelmed by your marine metadata task? Or maybe you are an expert looking for specific information?  

The guides are organized into major topic areas first (Introduction to Metadata, Metadata Standards, Vocabularies, and Tools).  Within each topic area, the top-level guides (I, II, III, IV) are the most introductory, assume little previous knowledge, and give the big picture.  The additional, lower-level guides in each section become more detailed and more advanced.  If you are totally new to the world of metadata, we suggest you start with Introduction to Metadata.  If you are more advanced and are looking for information on particular topics, the Table of Contents can help you find the information you want quickly. 

Within the guides, terms in our glossaryA type of flat controlled vocabulary containing a list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge with the definitions for those terms. Related Guide are highlighted on each page the first time they appear. If these terms are unfamiliar, you may mouse-over each word and a box will appear with the definition. Clicking on the word will take you to the glossary itself, which has the definition as well as a link to a related guides page (when available) that will provide more detailed information about the term.

Glossary terms, relevant links, and the suggested citation format for each guide can be found organized in the boxes on the right side of each page. A link to provide feedback can be found at the bottom center of each page. We welcome your comments!

Good luck, and let us know if you have any specific questions or needs!