Datasets, a Shift in the Currency of Scholarly Communication: Implications for Library Collections and Acquisitions

Abstract

As the market of scholarly communication continues to evolve, a number of indicators suggest that the unit of information currency is shifting from a primary focus on journal articles to a broader emphasis on key elements of scholarly communication, namely data sets. This article examines and summarizes recent developments that have contributed to this shift in emphasis. The authors will also consider how this shift may affect some of the core functions of the collections and acquisitions processes. Serials Review 2007; 33:26-32.

A Metadata Best Practice for a Scientific Data Repository

“…Data is the essence of science-the holder of scientific truth when findings are reviewed. Davis and Vickery (2007) claim that datasets can range "from geographic information systems or geospatial (GIS) data to genomic data to any dataset supporting a scholarly publication, such as census data"; while White (2008) confirms a fuller scope of data that includes traditional observations, numbers, and measures stored in spreadsheets and databases, as well as fossils, phylogenetic trees, and even herbarium samples.…”

“…In pursuing solutions, new partnerships have been formed between scientific disciplines and the field of information and library science (Carlson, 2006;Davis & Vickery, 2007;Heidorn, 2008). This development is evident via cyberinfrastructure and repository initiatives seeking to develop user-friendly systems enabling scientists to deposit and share digital data.…”

Attitudes and norms affecting scientists’ data reuse

“…Research data are the backbone of scientific discovery and technological innovation, and are regarded as the prime currency of science [ 1 , 2 ]; the ‘building blocks’ of research [ 3 ]. In the past, hard-won research data was only shared among a few trusted and known colleagues.…”

Open data in the life sciences: the ‘Selfish Scientist Paradox’

“…Technological developments, data repositories and collaborative efforts have brought to fruition a long-standing aspiration of researchers: access to data. However, everything comes at a cost, and in the academic realm, data has become an 'information currency' (Davis & Vickery 2007), shaping various institutional or individual data-sharing behaviours.…”