Metadata for Researchers

Can I create my own schema?

You certainly can go it alone and create your own system - ideally by adapting an existing standard, rather than building an entire taxonomy and ontology from scratch. 
 

• See the Metadata Standards page to find links to the most common general and discipline-specific metadata standards.

If you're certain that your specific needs cannot be met by adapting an existing metadata standard you can find some excellent guidance from the following resources:

Guide to Writing "readme" style metadata: From Cornell University, Research Data Management Service Group

Creating a Metadata Schema: Where to Start: From ISO (International Organization for Standardization)