Abstract

This paper is a reflection on the nature of scientific knowledge production. Being a human process, its characteristics are particularly complex and difficult to establish with standard procedures. Despite the differences between disciplines, the research processes always includes the common application of the scientific method to obtain results in the form of data and publications. In this article the life cycle model of research objects is reviewed. To be understood, data need to be contextualized, something that is difficult if the necessary information is not added at the time they are produced. Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN), such as LabArchives, LabGuru, and ROHub, have begun to appear in academic settings to facilitate comprehensive knowledge management. It is recommended that ELN systems are used to guarantee research data preservation.

Abstract

The peg of this report is the 14th edition of the International Society for Informetrics and Scientometrics (ISSI) Conference, which was held in Vienna in 2013 and was by far the biggest event in this field. Based on this conference the author discusses the hottest and most controversial topics, which bibliometricians and scientometricians will have to face within the next years and even beyond. These are, amongst others, the adjustment of the peer review process to the challenges of the digital era, the crucial role of research data, the rise and necessity of new metrics, as well as the reconsideration of our proxys. Furthermore it is pointed out to which degree all these novel possibilities in the dissemination and promotion of research output will inevitably influence the role of future scientists. Finally, a short reflection on the scientometric community during this crucial period of change is given.

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

Libraries and various agencies are beginning to value research data as an academic product. This situation is bringing out new skills among information professionals, especially in university libraries that are beginning to launch the first proposals, testing methodologies and exploring solutions to begin protecting our users’ research data. We explain one of these initiatives undertaken by the university libraries in the UK, the Data Asset Framework (DAF) initiative. The objective of this project is to identify the characteristics and conditions of the data generated by professors and researchers and use the results to create a framework allowing the implementation of policies for the conservation and preservation of research data.

Abstract

Presentation of the main projects and initiatives related to open access conducted during 2014, based on a bibliographical review of published studies and analysis of some activities that occurred that year. It has been divided into four sections: repositories, journals, research data and promotion policies. We found maturity and robustness of the open access movement, which continues to advance on all fronts, with a tendency to broaden the focus to what is called open science.

Abstract

Academic libraries are facing a range of new challenges in the 21st century. Models of scholarly communication are experiencing a revolution with the advent of open access, with libraries adopting a lead role in self-archiving their institutional outputs in digital repositories. In addition, researchers are taking advantage of the computational power at their disposal, conducting research in innovative and collaborative ways that use and produce vast amounts of data. Such research-generated data underpins intellectual ideas, which in turn propagates new methodologies, analysis and ultimately knowledge. It is crucial that we preserve such mechanisms and output for future generations. With the experience gained from traditional cataloguing, indexing and organisational skills coupled to those acquired in developing, establishing and maintaining institutional repositories, the time is ripe for academic librarians to explore a new role. Research data need to be looked after from the moment of creation through their life cycle. The concept of data curation refers to activities like digital preservation but also those geared towards adding value to the data so that they can be discovered and reused. This article introduces e-Research and the likely function of academic libraries in this domain. After this, data curation is described and several initiatives of interest for information professionals in this field are presented.

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 sharing of research data is a hot topic at the international level, especially due to the development of e-science, based on collaborative working methods that use technology in an intensive manner. The amount of digital data and of its sharing is growing fast, and a lack of proper management could limit the potential benefits to stakeholders (researchers, governments and public funding agencies, research managers and libraries, and finally the publishing sector). The aim of this review is first to place the sharing of electronic research data in the context of its appearance and of open environments; secondly, it describes the life cycle model of data preservation; finally, it describes several initiatives dealing with methodologies and technologies. In parallel, international developments and highlights needs that exist in Spain are described.

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

This paper studies research data repositories in the social sciences and humanities (SSH), from the Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data), paying particular attention to metadata models used to describe the datasets included in them. 397 repositories are reviewed at the general level, including those of a multidisciplinary nature. We discuss and reflect on the special features of research data in these disciplines, and on coverage and information collected by re3data. The metadata schemas and standards most commonly used in SSH repositories are analyzed, with special emphasis on the six main repositories.