Abstract

The issue of sharing research data has always been present in the scientific community; however, the current state of technology has revived the debate. For this reason, and following a special issue of the journal Nature on the topic, we review the main features of this practice. First, we introduce the existing arguments for and against data sharing; in the next section we show how some agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (USA) already require their funded investigators to make their study data freely available to the rest of the scientific community. In this context, agencies understand that data sharing maximizes the return on public investment in R & D. In the conclusions we discuss the role that university libraries can play in data preservation, noting that we have an excellent opportunity to acquire new responsibilities.

Abstract

The emergence in the scientific community of an initiative known as data sharing, consisting of sharing research data among researchers and aiming to maximize efforts and resources, is analysed. First, the concept of research data and the related technical difficulties depending on the discipline are reviewed. We also examine the motivations, origins and growth of this movement, which has had an important impact on the scientific community’s behaviour through the creation of repositories and data banks, raising both technical and social challenges. Then we discuss leading funding agencies’ initiatives and scientific journals’ editorial policies promoting these practices. Finally, we examine the impact these major changes in researchers’ habits have for librarians, including the emergence of new professional profiles.

Abstract

The concept of open data, which demands that many more conditions be met than simple internet accessability in any format, is analyzed. Some examples are given about the importance of open data repositories in efforts to promote transparency in science and avoid scientific fraud. Some of the main problems in the management of data repositories are discussed.

Abstract

Companies receiving funds for their research, development and technological innovation (R&D&I) activities must comply with communication obligations so that citizens are informed of the projects that are financed using public funds. The information requirements are defined both in the European and Spanish legal framework. The objective of this paper is to compile this legislation and analyse the communication and data sharing obligations that are required for these funding recipients. The results indicate that the communication obligations of the subsidised projects are very general. It is compulsory to standardise the terms used, the actions requested and the content of these, and to promote data sharing in companies, all through a repository that brings together the R&D&I projects funded.

Abstract

Companies receiving funds for their research, development and technological innovation (R&D&I) activities must comply with communication obligations so that citizens are informed of the projects that are financed using public funds. The information requirements are defined both in the European and Spanish legal framework. The objective of this paper is to compile this legislation and analyse the communication and data sharing obligations that are required for these funding recipients. The results indicate that the communication obligations of the subsidised projects are very general. It is compulsory to standardise the terms used, the actions requested and the content of these, and to promote data sharing in companies, all through a repository that brings together the R&D&I projects funded.

Abstract

This paper provides a review of examples from the literature of shared communication resources and of agencies and/or organizations that share communication resources. The primary emphasis is on rural, intelligent transportation system communications involving transit. Citations will not be limited, however, to rural activities, or to ITS implementation, or even to transit. In addition, the term ''communication'' will be broadly applied to include all information resources. Literature references to issues that contribute to both successful and failed efforts at sharing communication resources are reviewed. The findings of this literature review indicate that: (1) The most frequently shared communication resources are information/data resources, (2) Telecommunications infrastructure and technologies are the next most frequently shared resources, (3) When resources are successfully shared, all parties benefit, (4) A few unsuccessful attempts of sharing resources have been recorded, along with lessons learned, (5) Impediments to sharing include security issues, concerns over system availability and reliability, service quality and performance, and institutional barriers, (6) Advantages of sharing include financial benefits to agencies from using shared resources and benefits to the public in terms of congestion mitigation, information transfer (e.g., traveler information systems), mobility (e.g., welfare-to-work paratransit), and safety (e.g., speed of incident response, incident avoidance),more » (7) Technology-based solutions exist to address technology-based concerns, and (8) Institutional issues can be addressed through leadership, enhanced knowledge and skills, open communication, responsiveness, and attractive pricing structures.« le Document type: Report