METadata Information System (METIS)

METIS, LIS’ metadata information system, enables browsing, aggregating, and exporting LIS/LWS Databases documentation tailored to the users’ needs. Before conducting any empirical analyses users shall carefully consult METIS and the documentation it holds.

Access to METIS

METIS has been made possible through a generous grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Get Metadata Information

METIS mirrors the complex structure of the microdata and documentation, and as such, is not easy to navigate at first instance. The following provides an overview of the main types of queries users can carry out. We encourage users to explore the tool for more ad hoc queries.

  1. Overview of datasets and variables

    From METIS’ home page, it is possible to obtain a overview of the contents of the LIS/LWS databases in terms of datasets and variables.

  2. Compare datasets
    Upon entering the tool (Enter METIS), it is possible to select a number of datasets (Select datasets) and compare generic information among them (Dataset Information). Note that there is a filter that enables to display a subset of datasets for selection

  3. Compare variables
    Upon entering the tool (Enter METIS), it is possible to select a number of variables (Select datasets) and compare generic information among them (Variables Definitions). Note that there is a filter that enables to display a subset of datasets for selection.

  4. Cross-compare
    This is the main functionality of METIS. Upon entering the tool (Enter METIS), it is possible to view the availability of the selected variables in the selected datasets (Crossed Compare) and to compare information about this selection along three dimensions:

    • Compare statistics, contents and notes of one variable for all datasets selected (row dimension)
    • Compare statistics, contents and notes of all variables selected for one dataset (column dimension)
    • View definitions, statistics, contents and notes for one selected variable in one selected dataset (cell dimension).

Please note, in order to use the functionality Crossed Compare you need to select datasets (Select datasets) and variables (Select variables). The selection of datasets and variables is kept all along the session in a basket (Databox), that can be viewed and modified at any moment.

The results of most queries can be exported in Excel.