Research data management services for a multidisciplinary, collaborative research project: Design and implementation of the TR32DB project database. Issue 4 (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Curdt, Constanze; Hoffmeister, Dirk
• Editors: Andrew Cox, Dr
• Is Part Of: Program. Volume 49:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 494
• Page End: 512
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: Research data management -- Services -- Metadata schema -- Data repository -- File system -- System architecture; Libraries, University and college -- Great Britain -- Automation -- Periodicals; 025.30285
• DOI: 10.1108/PROG-02-2015-0016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-0337

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – Research data management (RDM) comprises all processes, which ensure that research data are well-organized, documented, stored, backed up, accessible, and reusable. RDM systems form the technical framework. The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a RDM system for an interdisciplinary, collaborative, long-term research project with focus on Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere data. Design/methodology/approach: – The presented RDM system is based on a three-tier (client-server) architecture. This includes a file-based data storage, a database-based metadata storage, and a self-designed user-friendly web-interface. The system is designed in cooperation with the local computing centre, where it is also hosted. A self-designed interoperable, project-specific metadata schema ensures the accurate documentation of all data. Findings: – A RDM system has to be designed and implemented according to requirements of the project participants. General challenges and problems of RDM should be considered. Thus, a close cooperation with the scientists obtains the acceptance and usage of the system. Originality/value: – This paper provides evidence that the implementation of a RDM system in the provided and maintained infrastructure of a computing centre offers many advantages. Consequently, the designed system is independent of the project funding. In addition, access and re-use of all involved project data is ensured. A transferability of the presented approach to another interdisciplinary research project was already successful. Furthermore, the designed metadata schema can be expanded according to changing project requirements.