Context from the data reuser's point of view. Issue 6 (29th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faniel, Ixchel M.; Frank, Rebecca D.; Yakel, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Journal of documentation. Volume 75:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 1274
• Page End: 1297
• Publication Date: 2019-07-29
• Subjects: User studies -- Research work -- Information studies -- Data sharing -- Data curation -- Data reuse; Documentation -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 025
• DOI: 10.1108/JD-08-2018-0133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0418

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Taking the researchers' perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine the types of context information needed to preserve data's meaning in ways that support data reuse. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on a qualitative study of 105 researchers from three disciplinary communities: quantitative social science, archaeology and zoology. The study focused on researchers' most recent data reuse experience, particularly what they needed when deciding whether to reuse data. Findings: Findings show that researchers mentioned 12 types of context information across three broad categories: data production information (data collection, specimen and artifact, data producer, data analysis, missing data, and research objectives); repository information (provenance, reputation and history, curation and digitization); and data reuse information (prior reuse, advice on reuse and terms of use). Originality/value: This paper extends digital curation conversations to include the preservation of context as well as content to facilitate data reuse. When compared to prior research, findings show that there is some generalizability with respect to the types of context needed across different disciplines and data sharing and reuse environments. It also introduces several new context types. Relying on the perspective of researchers offers a more nuanced view that shows the importance of the different context types for each discipline and the ways disciplinary members thought about them. Both data producers and curators can benefit from knowing what to capture and manage during data collection and deposit into a repository.