An Assessment of Virtual Data Center as a Tool for Dissemination and Digital Preservation of Social Science Data Harrison Dekker Coordinator of Data Services Doe/Moffitt Libraries, UC Berkeley

Stuff Goes Away Digital Preservation and Metadata: History, Theory, Practice

Non-VDC Approach: Eagleton Poll Archive

Virtual Data Center ata.org

The Standards Process 1. Someone identifies need for standard 2. A group is convinced of the need 3. A technology (approach) is proposed 4. A consensus is achieved by all interested parties 5. The standard is published 6. The standard is used by people and groups who have a vested interest (business reason) to do so NSF Workshop on Mark-Up Languages June 2004

Some Economics and Sociology of Standards You must be motivated to build a standard You must have motivation to use a standard Industry builds and uses standards for business reasons If it is hard to build a standard, the motivation is usually lacking Why do scientists build standards? NSF Workshop on Mark-Up Languages June 2004

Standards and Science Scientists are often reluctant to develop and use standards because standards are: not the state of the art not accustomed to working towards a consensus usually uncomfortable in working with a formal standards group My way is best! Successful scientific data standards are developed because of a hidden business motivation - To save money or time or both! Interoperability and Preservation are results, not motivation NSF Workshop on Mark-Up Languages June 2004