Why do we use RIF-CS?
The Australian Research Data Commons can be understood as part of a network of registries that support the development of useful services for innovation and research. An example of a registry is Research Data Australia.
The description of research data and other scholarly materials is best done locally - close to where it is created. But search and discovery is best done globally.
The Australian National Data Service (ANDS) aggregates a pool of records using the Online Research Collections Australia (ORCA) interface. This aggregation is performed using the OAI Protocol for Metadata Harvesting. The elements of these descriptions (metadata) are standardised so that machines can understand what these records are about.
What is a RIF-CS record?
A component of the metadata standard (ISO2146), used for exchanging information about collections, is called the Registry Interchange Format - Collections and Services (RIF-CS).
RIF-CS is a template in the form of an XML schema that sets out the structure of the information, what can be included and how one part relates to another. RIF-CS is maintained by the RIF-CS Advisory Board (RAB).
There are no hard and fast rules about what constitutes a Collection in the RIF-CS Schema context. It is up to the data providers to consider what their collections are and what metadata should be provided. The RIF-CS schema also supports other registry object types, namely: Services, Activities and Parties. Any or all of these, along with their relations to each other, are able to be expressed in RIF-CS format.
How to create a RIF-CS Collection record?
Step 1. Nominate a Data Source Administrator and set up a Data Source Account.
There are two Forms to send to services@ands.org.au. Please contact your ANDS Liaison Officer when using these Forms, so that you receive the latest guidance specific to your project.
Form 1. ANDS Online Services Access Request Form - to add a new Data Source Administrator
Form 2. Providing metadata to ANDS agreement
ANDS Services will create a Data Source Account for you. After logging in and selecting your data source, you will see a view screen or Dashboard that displays your current settings
Data Source Dashboard
Step 2. Map your data collection
While you are waiting for Data Source Administration set up (usually happens in a day), locate a collection of research data. You may find it helpful if you map information about this collection to the RIF-CS elements and attributes.
A handy reference to what these are; what is required and recommended is the Content Requirements Guide. It's not obvious at first glance but scroll down and you will find a usualy mapping template in the tables.
Content Requirements Guide
Step 3. Log-in to ORCA
Go to the bottom right of the Research Data Australia screen and press the link to ANDS Online Services. This will take you to the Log-in page. You will find detailed login instructions on the ANDS website.
Where to log-in
Using your AAF token
The ANDS Registry is open to all Australian researchers who have valid Australian Access Federation (AAF) accounts. Such researchers do not need any additional credentials to access the ANDS Registry. If you do not know if you have an Australian Access Federation (AAF) token, you will find detailed instructions for how to get AAF Accounts on the ANDS Website.
Once logged in, different options are available through the menu on the left, depending on you role or the level of access given to your account.
Creating a record
Your guide to what terms mean and how they can understood is The Content providers Guide
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