Data consultancy

Published content comes in all shapes and sizes. What we call ‘data’ in this context includes not only textual content but also metadata, front matter, back matter, indexes, footnotes, bibliographies, images, audio and even video content.

We offer an expert and highly bespoke data consultancy service. Our highly experienced staff will engage with your issues, using flexible methodologies to provide the insights and support you need. In doing this they bringing to bear their knowledge of best practice and strategic data issues in the technology landscape.

Data consultancy services

Our data consultancy work with clients is very diverse, but usually falls into one or more of the following categories.

Data conversion

Typically, we would analyse your data, and advise on what you need to do to get it into an appropriate format for your digital programme. This can involve suggesting an appropriate XML format and creating specifications, then sourcing or recommending an outsource partner (we are in constant touch with supplier market and can find reliable cost-effective partners). We are well acquainted with all the relevant XML formats including TEI, Docbook, NLM, etc.

Taxonomy

Leveraging semantic technologies often calls for the creation of taxonomies. We can help you find the right tool to do this and advise on data formats and processes. We also advise on metadata formats, drawing on our wide knowledge of industry-standard formats such as Dublin Core, Prism, etc. and semantic web standards including RDF.

If needed we can create data formats for you, such as bespoke XML models, DTDs and schemas.

Data cleansing

Even if your data is in a suitable format, it might not be ready to use if it is not of sufficient quality. Our work under this heading will involve improving the quality of your data in various ways including the elimination of duplicate ids, bad characters, etc.