Historical Scientific Analog Data: Life Sciences Faculty’s Perspectives on Management, Reuse and Preservation

Abstract

Older data in paper or analog format (e.g., field/lab notebooks, photos, maps) held in labs, offices, and archives across research institutions are an often overlooked resource for potential reuse in new scientific studies. However, there are few mechanisms to help researchers find existing analog data in order to reuse it. Yet, in the literature, reuse of historical data is particularly important in studies of biodiversity and climate change.We surveyed life science researchers at the University of Minnesota to understand and explore current and potential future use of historical data, attitudes around sharing and reusing data, and preservation of the data. Large amounts of historical data existed on our campus. Most researchers had reused or shared it, and many continued to add to their data sets. Some data had been scanned, over half of researchers have re-keyed some of their data into machinereadable format, and nearly all that were converted to a digital format were stored on unstable platforms and legacy formats. Researchers also expressed concerns about long-term preservation plans, or who to contact for assistance in planning for the future of the data, since much of these data are at risk for loss. Currently produced digital data sets are subject to guidelines and requirements developed at a national level. Solutions for historical analog data could benefit from a similar high-level treatment, and it will take experts from various fields to lead this effort. Given libraries' expertise in data management and preservation, librarians are in a position to collaborate on devising cross-disciplinary solutions.

Issues and paths forward in the identification and reuse of historic analog records

“…In an effort to get an idea of the scope of historic analog data held in offices and labs at one institution, an online survey of agricultural and life sciences researchers at the University of Minnesota was conducted, with 108 responses from 772 surveys sent out (Farrell et al, 2020). Questions focused on the nature of the data (topic, format, date range, amount, condition, perceived value) and whether it had been or might be reused.…”

A Critical Literature Review of Historic Scientific Analog Data: Uses, Successes, and Challenges

“…Many standards exist for doing this with digital data and those can be used for analog data as well. In a survey of those holding analog data, many reported that there was a person who could describe the origins of the data but fewer had documented that information (Farrell et al 2020). If you have used historic data, think about how you found it and how you wish you might have been able to find it.…”

“…Our interest in this topic began when a few senior faculty members approached the University library for assistance in organizing and possibly housing their analog data (Farrell et al 2019). A survey of life sciences researchers on campus revealed that many held analog data and considered it valuable but were unsure of how to preserve it (Farrell et al 2020). Nearly all were willing to share it.…”