Fostering Data Communities -- perspective from a Data Archive Service Provider

TL;DR

This paper explores how a Dutch data archive interacts with research data communities, highlighting policies, practices, and the complex dynamics involved in fostering data communities and supporting research needs.

Contribution

It provides a practical analysis of data community engagement strategies and the role of data service providers in a national research data infrastructure.

Findings

Insights into policies supporting data communities

Analysis of the interaction between data providers and communities

Case study of DANS Data Station Life Sciences

Abstract

This paper aims to bridge between the current scientific discourse about the dynamics of data communities in research infrastructures and practical experiences at a data archive which provides services for such data communities. We describe and analyse policies and practices within DANS-KNAW, the Dutch national centre of expertise and repository for research data concerning the interaction with communities in general. We take the case of the emerging DANS Data Station Life Sciences to study how a data archive navigates between observation of data research needs and anticipation of research data archival solutions. This paper offers a unique view of the complex dynamics between data communities (including lay experts) and data service providers. It adds nuances to understanding the emergence of a data community and the role of data service providers, both supporting and shaping, in this process.