Sustaining Repositories

Key recommendations for repository Identify the business requirements of the stakeholders (what would they want) and build that in from the start. Requires surveying the community and end-users. Determine the attributes of when researchers share data (when it actually works). Need a clear defined scope - what it will and will not include. There is grand diversity in data. No one size fits all. Therefore, different business models are required for different users. Pay in, pay out, organization funded, etc. Consider federation of data repositories. Defining the value add to the users is essential…especially if there is a fee. Curation, publication, etc.

People-related aspects Sustainability and incentives are related. Must have incentives for sharing (e.g., individual PI performance metrics, tenure). Need a governance structure for the long-term. Builds trust that will not go away.

Where do we go from here? This effort requires long-term strategic planning for the sustainable platform. PIs are focused on research so new group required to focus on this part. Considerations to system reliability, security, and on-going support is required. Given the data discussion is occurring across multiple programs, there is an opportunity for multiple NSF programs (and non-NSF programs) to carve out / pool resources to launch a combined effort for a data repository(ies)? Rethink the data management plan as method for NSF funded researchers to appropriate portion of funds to contribute to repository.