The Value of Metadata
This chapter will cover:
- Data & document preparation
- Data & document requirements
- ALCOA++ principles
- Key considerations for data & document management
"For some data, it will be crucial to retain not just the data itself but also any relevant metadata."
For example, in Excel spreadsheets, in-cell units of measure, volumes, functions, and formulas are critical for understanding the [dynamic] relationships between core data elements interrogation, interpretation, and understanding the way in which data values are calculated and presented as well as for quality assessment.
The migration or conversion of spreadsheets potentially risks the loss of metadata, which may result in loss of data, data meaning, and data context.
For data generated by laboratory equipment, the same is true for metadata that correlates elements such as sample, sample size, data and time of the analysis etc. This information will be essential in proving the integrity of the technology, process, and technician.
The golden rule should always be that data born-digital remains digital. However, it is not always possible to convert raw data to a digital preservation format for the purposes of archiving, that data could be converted to paper format following the process illustrated in Fig1.
Though less than ideal, this should create certified (or true) copies of data that should be sufficient to satisfy regulatory expectations, mindful (of course) that raw data is defined as paper printouts from instruments, regulatory guidance requires that raw data is the first capture of the information, not a paper printed copy.
The Process for Creating Certified Copies
Figure 1. Process for creating Certified Copies of Digital Data © Heath Barrowcliff Consulting Ltd.