Dataset Assessment Template

These are the minimum things we need recorded for each dataset. Add more detail as needed! A lot of this can be gleaned in one quick interview; some of the dataset details may take more time.

Dataset: xxxxx

Source of Data

• Who owns it?
• Where does it come from?

Current data handling

• Where does it live now? (on the network drive)
• How is it managed: subfolders? file naming? etc
• Who at SFCTA is in charge of it
• What are the QA/QC steps involved when it is received?

Data Records & Format

• How large is one set of the data?
• Column detail: a database will require each column to have a very specific defined TYPE.
• Missing data: how are missing cells recorded? (By column, if need be)

Updates & Upkeep

• How often is new data delivered & available?
• Does existing data get corrected/updated after arrival?

Privacy

• Does any aspect of this dataset have potential privacy issues?
• If so are there current practices for hiding records/merging cells etc?

Meta Stuff

• Are there any issues with the current setup needing attention, that might be in scope as long as we're in there doing stuff anyway?
• Other notes & findings