Use of Optional Data Curation Features by Users of Harvard Dataverse Repository

Abstract

Objective: Investigate how different groups of depositors vary in their use of optional data curation features that provide support for FAIR research data in the Harvard Dataverse repository. Methods: A numerical score based upon the presence or absence of characteristics associated with the use of optional features was assigned to each of the 29,295 datasets deposited in Harvard Dataverse between 2007 and 2019. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate patterns of optional feature use amongst different groups of depositors and their relationship to other dataset characteristics. Results: Members of groups make greater use of Harvard Dataverse's optional features than individual researchers. Datasets that undergo a data curation review before submission to Harvard Dataverse, are associated with a publication, or contain restricted files also make greater use of optional features. Conclusions: Individual researchers might benefit from increased outreach and improved documentation about the benefits and use of optional features to improve their datasets' level of curation beyond the FAIR-informed support that the Harvard Dataverse repository provides by default. Platform designers, developers, and managers may also use the numerical scoring approach to explore how different user groups use optional application features.

Understanding the value of curation: A survey of researcher perspectives of data curation services from six US institutions

“…Several studies have discussed the benefits of curation through the lens of repositories, librarians, and ease of future reuse. Results of a study by Boyd who examined over 29,000 datasets in the Harvard Dataverse Repository affirmed that experienced data curators are valuable to both repositories and to the current and future research community [ 19 ]. Data curation adds value to data [ 5 , 17 , 20 ] through several touch points consisting of but not limited to peer review, metadata inspection and enhancement, documentation enrichment, preservation, and discoverability.…”