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How to Use DDI

DDI is a metadata standard that improves how research data are described, shared, and reused.  It supports the creation of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data by providing structured, machine-actionable metadata.  Whether you're a researcher, data manager, statistical agency, or developer, DDI provides tools and best practices to enhance your work.  

Choose the guide that best fits your role:

  • For Researchers -- Discover data more easily, and document your research in ways that support transparency, replication, and long-term impact.
  • For Data Managers -- Streamline the organization and curation of metadata to ensure consistency, improve discoverability, and support long-term data preservation.
  • For Statistical Agencies -- Adopt consistent metadata practices to automate data processing, enable cross-system integration, nad support the entire data lifecycle.
  • For Developers -- Use DDI's structured, machine-actionable formats to build tools, connect systems, and enable seamless metadata exchange.