Requirements for open sharing of archaeological research data
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 03/01/2017

There are several good arguments for open research data and over the last few years expectations of open sharing of publicly funded data have increased. For example, re-use of data in further research (e.g. based on combined data) is expected to provide much return on investment.
Considerable progress has been achieved with regard to e-infrastructures and services for data sharing, access and (re-) use, but the institutional requirements are lagging somewhat behind. Such requirements include the extension of open access mandates from papers to research data, available repositories adequate for research data, and making sure that data sharers receive the credit they deserve. Researchers still perceive more obstacles than incentives for opening up their data, including additional effort, lack of academic reward, concerns that data might be misused, and more. Indeed, clear evidence of benefits of data publication, re-use and citation – both on the community and individual levels – is crucial for pushing forward the open data agenda. The paper will give an overview of the current landscape of e-infrastructures and open access resources for archaeological and other cultural heritage research, and highlight institutional and other requirements for further progress and innovation through open data over the next 5 to 10 years.