All digital objects deposited with ADS must be accompanied by core file-level metadata. Core file-level metadata is the mandatory information required for ADS to archive and disseminate digital objects (files) within a larger dataset. This type of metadata includes file name, file description, creator and copyright information and other key contextual information on a digital object basis. The ADS provides a core file-level metadata template which can be found in our data type requirements table. This template can be directly uploaded via our Ingest deposit system for validation. 

ADS-easy, our Legacy deposit system, collects core file-level metadata via online forms, except for raster images where it utilizes a raster metadata template. 

Certain data categories also require technical metadata. Technical metadata can include information on the specific instrumentation and methodologies used to collect the data, or contain essential information on the file content and structure needed to reuse the digital object. For example technical metadata can include  field attribute descriptions and code lists. ADS provides technical metadata templates for some data categories to help depositors provide the correct information which can be downloaded from the data requirements table. However, we can accept technical metadata in other formats if all the essential information is provided for the relevant data category.

Please contact the Collections Team if your file format is not listed in the data requirements table or if you are unsure what metadata you need to submit.