Drowning in data: Digital library architecture to support scientific use of embedded sensor networks

Christine L. Borgman, Jillian C. Wallis, Matthew S. Mayernik, Alberto Pepe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

New technologies for scientific research are producing a deluge of data that is overwhelming traditional tools for data capture, analysis, storage, and access. We report on a study of scientific practices associated with dynamic deployments of embedded sensor networks to identify requirements for data digital libraries. As part of continuing research on scientific data management, we interviewed 22 participants in 5 environmental science projects to identify data types and uses, stages in their data life cycle, and requirements for digital library architecture. We found that scientists need continuous access to their data from the time that field experiments are designed through final analysis and publication, thus reflecting a broader notion of "digital library." Six categories of requirements are discussed: the ability to obtain and maintain data in the field, verify data in the field, document data context for subsequent interpretation, integrate data from multiple sources, analyze data, and preserve data. Three digital library efforts currently underway within the Center for Embedded Networked Sensing are addressing these requirements, with the goal of a tightly coupled interoperable framework that, in turn, will be a component of cyberinfrastructure for science.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, JCDL 2007
Subtitle of host publicationBuilding and Sustaining the Digital Environment
Pages269-277
Number of pages9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event7th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, JCDL 2007: Building and Sustaining the Digital Environment - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: Jun 18 2007Jun 23 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ACM International Conference on Digital Libraries

Conference

Conference7th ACM/IEEE Joint Conference on Digital Libraries, JCDL 2007: Building and Sustaining the Digital Environment
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period06/18/0706/23/07

Keywords

  • Data capture
  • Data deluge
  • Data preservation
  • Data use
  • Functional requirements analysis
  • Networked sensing
  • Scientific data
  • User-centered design

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Drowning in data: Digital library architecture to support scientific use of embedded sensor networks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this