SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN How are public data contributions rewarded in open genetics databases? ( How to always rely on the kindness of strangers) Nathan Bos Erik Hofer Judy Olson

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Databases as Public Goods Incentives are important: why would individuals contribute data? How are data contributions recognized and rewarded? What are the best practices of successful databases?

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Models for open databases 1. Data contribution as a prerequisite for publication 2. Funder-mandated contribution 3. Publication by contribution 4. Data bartering 5. Voluntary contributions

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Most-successful model: Data contribution as prerequisite for publication GenBank- Protein Databank When does this model not work? Contributions that require original research Contributions that require structured interlinking Other disciplines

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Survey of voluntary- contribution databases Questions on soliciting contributions, usage and contribution rates, and managing data Completed by 46 administrators identified that solicit contributions on their website (105 polled)

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN How many outside researchers have contributed information to your database so far? (Please estimate if the exact number is unknown.) Less than 1022% 10 to 2016% 21 to 10027% 10031%

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Which of these have been the most effective means of soliciting contributions? i.e. which would you recommend to a databases similar to yours? (mention all that apply) personal contact (e.g. ing a known expert or colleague) 64% the database website55% professional channels-- conferences or journals 41% prior agreements from funding contracts 16% links from other websites7%

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN What would you guess are the important motivations for outside contributors to your database? (Top 5) Desire to contribute to a valued resource83% Sense of obligation to scientific community81% Sense of professional accomplishment62% Personal connection to researchers running the database 61% It is an alternative means of attaining professional credit recognition 51%

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN What would you guess are the important motivations for outside contributors to your database? (Rank 6-9) Desire to stake first claim to an area of study 50% It is an alternative means of professional scholarly publication 39% Is required by a journal or publisher 36% Is required by a funding source 19%

SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Take-aways Data deposition enforced by publications is the dominant model Voluntary databases supplement these in specialty areas – Scientists are motivated to do science – Social networks are important Other models should be researched more (bartering, publication by contribution)