The case for preserving our knowledge and data in physics experiments

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes the importance of preserving scientific data and knowledge in physics experiments, highlighting cost-effective methods and tools to extend the longevity and utility of experimental data and related information.

Contribution

It demonstrates practical approaches for long-term data and knowledge preservation in physics, with insights from the LEP experiment experience.

Findings

Data warehousing on tape archives is cost-effective.

Subject-specific data stores facilitate knowledge capture.

Archiving source code and computing environments is feasible.

Abstract

This proceeding covers tools and technologies at our disposal for scientific data preservation and shows that this extends the scientific reach of our experiments. It is cost-efficient to warehouse data from completed experiments on the tape archives of our national and international laboratories. These subject-specific data stores also offer the technologies to capture and archive knowledge about experiments in the form of technical notes, electronic logs, websites, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to archive our source code and computing environments. The paper illustrates these challenges with experience from preserving the LEP data for the long term.