Research Data and Repository Metadata: Policy and Technical Issues at the University of Sydney Library

The University of Sydney Library’s repository contains research outputs primarily comprising traditional publication types. Many academics manage data collections within databases and spreadsheets using metadata dissimilar to the repository’s Dublin Core schema. During 2007 and 2008 the author explored issues surrounding submission to the repository of a small range of research data collections and associated metadata. Native metadata structures were analyzed and mapped to DC and scripts translated, packaged and transferred collections. This article discusses metadata management and repository service levels and sustainability. It describes the Library’s approach to defining service requirements and includes discussion of various metadata management options. It also describes related activities within the University of Sydney to develop eResearch services and to harmonize the roles and relationships of eResearch support service providers.1