> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://c-comp.gitbook.io/data-management-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://c-comp.gitbook.io/data-management-handbook/data-deposition-instructions/metadata-and-tabular-data-files.md).

# Metadata and Tabular Data Files

Metadata and tabular data (e.g. culture data) generated by C-CoMP will ultimately be stored in at least two separate places:

1. Archived on a computer and/or storage server in lab of origin
2. C-CoMP Google Drive (temporary storage)
3. BCO-DMO Dataset entry as part of the [C-CoMP Program](https://www.bco-dmo.org/program/871064)

This storage scheme ensures that 1) there are multiple back-ups of the metadata and tabular data in different physical and cloud-based locations, 2) all C-CoMP members have access to facilitate direct and efficient collaboration, and 3) metadata and tabular data are publicly accessible on BCO-DMO and linked to domain repositories.

Instructions for submitting metadata and tabular data are shared below. Please submit metadata in the following order to avoid lags in data sharing.

#### C-CoMP Google Drive 

We can temporarily store metadata and tabular data in the C-CoMP Google Drive to facilitate data sharing within the Center. This data will be archived once the metadata and tabular data has been deposited at BCO-DMO. 

#### BCO-DMO

1. C-CoMP projects will be registered with BCO-DMO as part of the C-CoMP Program using the [online submission tool](https://submit.bco-dmo.org/). The Digital Coordinator can register projects on your behalf, but will ask you for additional information. At BCO-DMO, projects oversee a collection of one or more datasets.
   1. If you need help, consult [these instructions](https://bcodmo.gitbook.io/how-to/submission-tool/registering-a-project). 
2. Once your project is registered, individual datasets can be submitted and filed underneath the project.
   1. At BCO-DMO, datasets are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. For more guidance, please read the BCO-DMO [Terms of Use](https://www.bco-dmo.org/terms-use).

<figure><img src="/files/hvbxBquU3xXEMLoDpezt" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure caption: Hierarchy of the C-CoMP Program at BCO-DMO. Datasets are filed under individual projects that are encapsulated within the C-CoMP Program. Projects are registered before datasets are submitted.</p></figcaption></figure>