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Acknowledgements
Version 2026-08 is a revision of Version 2019-04[1], originally authored by Olivier Dupriez (World Bank) and subsequently updated by Diana Marcella Sanchez Castro and Matthew Welch (World Bank Group). Their contributions to the guide's original structure, content, and conceptual framework are gratefully acknowledged.
This edition was revised and updated by Cathrine Machingauta and Mehmood Asghar (World Bank Group). Key enhancements include:
- Updated references to World Bank tools that have replaced tools mentioned in earlier versions.
- Adoption of DDI-Codebook, now an ISO standard, replacing references to DDI 1.6 used in the original guide.
- Revisions and enhancements to the following sections:
- Introduction
- Folder organization and file-naming conventions
- Preparing data
- Documenting the Study Description
- External Resource Documentation
- Data Discoverability (new section)
- Generating Output
- Quality Review (including an updated quality review checklist)
- Administrative Metadata Documentation (new section)
- Publishing to NADA (new section)
These updates reflect current tools, standards, and practices for data curation, documentation, preservation, and dissemination.
The guide is a product of The World Bank Group Chief Statistician's Office - Development Data Group (DECDG).
Citation: World Bank Group Chief Statistician's Office (DECDG). 2026. Quick Reference Guide for Microdata Archivists: Documenting Data for Long-Term Preservation, Discovery, and Reuse. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. CC BY 4.0.
Disclaimer
Portions of this document were generated with automated content generation tools. The content has been reviewed, edited, and validated by the authors; however, users should independently verify information and exercise professional judgment when applying it.
The Quick Reference Guide for Data Archivists. Publisher: The International Household Survey Network (IHSN). The World Bank, Development Data Group (DECDG) is a member of the IHSN Secretariat. ↩︎