2026-10-28 –, Naturalis 02
Are you interested in learning how to contribute to the DataCite Metadata Schema? DataCite provides open infrastructure for research organizations to contribute key metadata about their research outputs, resources, and activities as part of DOI registration, enabling citation, discovery, and reuse. We are continuously evolving the DataCite Metadata Schema to align with community needs—and we can’t do it without you. In this lightning talk, you’ll learn how you can help shape the DataCite Metadata Schema: how to share your ideas with us, where you can discuss proposals, and how to stay up to date with all the latest schema developments.
DataCite provides open infrastructure for research organizations to contribute key metadata about their research outputs, resources, and activities as part of DOI registration by using the DataCite Metadata Schema. The DataCite Metadata Schema can be used to describe research outputs, resources, and activities—from datasets, to preprints, to projects and awards. Supporting a variety of resource types means finding generalized solutions, creating flexible and adaptable structures, and staying focused on what metadata is most useful for citation, discovery, and reuse. To do this effectively, we need to actively work with and understand our community—both those who share metadata with us through DOI registration, and those who make use of that metadata to power discovery services, research activity tracking tools, bibliometric analyses, and more.
Community members can help shape the DataCite Metadata Schema by engaging in DataCite’s community-driven process for sharing ideas and providing feedback on proposals. Our process has evolved over the years and currently takes place on GitHub Discussions—enabling community members to not only share ideas with DataCite staff, but to discuss challenges and proposed solutions with each other.
In this session, you’ll learn how DataCite approaches developing the DataCite Metadata Schema and how you can get involved in this collaborative process. You can expect to:
- Understand DataCite’s process and philosophy for approaching schema changes. Have you ever wondered how we prioritize proposed changes? What goes into sequencing what we work on next?
- Learn how you can share ideas with us. You’ll learn how to craft your suggestion to include the context and examples needed to spark discussion.
- Know what goes into developing a Request for Comment (RFC) behind the scenes. We’ll discuss how DataCite staff and the Metadata Working Group craft a proposal based on what we’re learning from the community, synthesizing different ideas and considering how we can achieve small changes with maximum impact.
Kelly is responsible for the development and adoption of the DataCite Metadata Schema and works closely with the DataCite community on technical implementations. Prior to joining DataCite, Kelly worked at the Portage Network of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, where they contributed to national data discovery initiatives and supported the DataCite Canada Consortium. Kelly holds an MLIS from the University of British Columbia, a BS in Computer Science, and a BMus in Music Composition.
