BCO-DMO: Supporting Open Oceanographic Data

Abstract:

Open data, data that anyone can access, use, and share have found its place in the current research landscape. Yet, there are many waters to navigate for open access data. Repositories such as BCO-DMO are here to make that journey easier; juggling data principles and policies, funding requirements, publication specifications, research specifics, archiving and discovery through online search engines.

BCO-DMO is a domain-specific repository serving highly heterogeneous biological and chemical oceanographic data. The scale of our data ranges from atmospheric aerosols to the bottom of the seafloor, microbes to megafauna. We assist investigators supported through NSF and private funders throughout the Data Life Cycle.

We not only have in-house data managers that extensively curate the data and assist submitters in complying with the F.A.I.R Data Principles, but we also develop resources and architecture to tackle technology hurdles associated with these principles to ease data sharing on the behalf of researchers:

• Designing and implementing ontologies to increase discovery of the data
• Developing systems to track provenance
• Creating and improving standard operating procedures to ensure consistent data processing
• Providing APIs for improved interoperability
• Developing an automated submission system to ease data sharing burden

To make sure that everything we develop addresses community needs, we continue to seek feedback on our processes (i.e what hurdles does the community have with their data and how can we help to overcome them) through a strategic planning committee and continued communication with submitters. We take part in several broader data community initiatives to improve data interoperability and reuse and demonstrate trustworthiness by obtaining CoreTrustSeal certification.

How do you determine an appropriate repository to openly share your data? Is BCO-DMO on your list of choices? Let's hear about it.