Seitenhistorie

Data need to be findable. This is a prerequisite for further use and re-use of data. That means data and their respective metadata have to be easily findable both by man and machine. To fullfil this goal, the use of metadata such as for example title, author, index, description of methods, and the application of persistent identifiers (PIDs) like digital object identifier (DOI) is required. The usage of identifiers helps to keep data permanently findable as they are independent from URL changes.

It is not enough, however, to render data findable. They also need to be accessible. That means data are archived in long-term storages and are accessible through technical standard protocolls such as https. Importantly, accessibility is not identical with open access, though information need to exist, in which way data are accessible, for example by stating contact information of the author.

Interoperable means that data need to be interchangeable using different applications and systems. Open data formats support this goal. In addition, it should be possible to combine  and integrate data with other data from the same or even another research area. Metadata standards, standard ontologies, a set vocabulary and a meaningful link between data and their respective digital research object support unification.

Last but not least, data need to be reusable. A prerequisite for sufficient reusability and recyclability is a comprehensive documentation of the data and their creation process following research area specific standards. Additionally, a licence needs to signifiy the terms and conditions for reusability.