The input occurs via two methods: centrally and locally.
Initially the input of the data file is carried out by the central NISE-staff members and consists of information and documentation that they have collected themselves as well as of material that has been handed to them by local participants.
Scientific institutions that join NISE are given the opportunity to take charge of inputting the index cards referring to their case via the Internet from their own locations. Consequently the central staff members will ensure the verification of the content and the formal standardisation of the imported data.
An application form is made available for the prospective local participants.
The input into the database takes place according to the international standards:
- the raison d’être for the project > Justification.
- an outline of the actual situation > Context.
- a list of the goals > Objectives .
- The input of the data concerning the intermediary structures and persons linked to the national movements is carried out according to the International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families (ISAAR(CPF)).
- The General International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD(G)) is used for the input of the data about publications by and concerning the intermediary structures and persons.
- The General International Standard Archival Description (ISAD(G)) is applied for the input of data into the record for the archives of the intermediary structures and persons.
- The International Standard for Institutions with Archival Holdings (ISDIAH) is applied for the input of data into the record for the archival and or historical institutions concerning the national movements.
- For the input of data about the context of the national organisations and activists (the people, the country, the regions, the language), into the so-called compendium, a data model sui generis is used. First some basic data are provided such as the name of the entity in the relevant languages, political, geographic and cultural settings, and quantitative data. On a second level the political and territorial history and the history of the national movement is given consideration. Finally space is allocated for a map and symbol (flag).