DataCite: Creating a global citation framework for dataMay 25, 2012Elizabeth NewboldBritish Library

Why finding and citing data is not easy

The Challenges

• No widely used method to identify datasets

• No widely used method to cite datasets

• No effective way to link between articles and datasets

How can we start to solve these challenges?

Addressing the challenges: DOIs

Persistent Identifiers: DOIsThe Digital Object Identifier is a persistent identifier that directs users to an object, even if it changes location.

Why DOIs?• Global• Widely adopted - most widely used identifier for research articles• Governance and infrastructure • Standardised - ISO 26324:2012

Addressing the challenge - DataCite

2009: • DataCite founded • 7 members2010: • 12 members• Pilot projects begin with Data Centres2011:• 16 full members• >1,000,000 DOIs registered• DataCite metadata specification released• Shared technical infrastructure established2012:• Formal contracts developed and sent out to

UK data centres

What is DataCite?

International DOI Foundation

DataCite

MemberInstitution

Data CentreData CentreData clients

Member

• DataCite is:• not for profit organisation• a member of the IDF• a Registration Agency for DOI names

MemberInstitution

Data CentreData CentreData clients

MemberInstitution

Data CentreData CentreData clients

A global registration agency with local representation

British Library's role in DataCite

International DOI Foundation

DataCite

MemberInstitution

Data CentreData CentreData Client

Member

• The British Library is one of 16 international members of DataCite

• We are an allocating agent

• We provide the DataCite infrastructure, enabling UK Data Centres to ‘mint’ DOIs for data

• Although our aim is to support researchers, we do not work with individuals - they must deposit to a data centre

Who are we currently working with?

In summary DataCite aims to provide a framework of support

• Define, adopt and promote standard methods in order to locate, identify and cite data with confidence

• Provide workflows and infrastructure to identify and cite datasets

• Promote and develop knowledge and skills exchange

Any questions