Earth science data management: Mapping actual tasks to conceptual actions in the curation lifecycle model

Abstract

Earth science, like other data intensive sciences, requires data that are discoverable and usable by a variety of designated communities for a multitude of purposes in our transforming digital world. Data must be collected, documented, organized, managed, and curated with data sharing in mind. Actual, rather than supposed, practices of data managers provide insight into how earth science data are preserved and made available, and the requisite skills required to do so. This study’s purpose is to explore the job practices of earth science data managers as they relate to the data lifecycle. Twelve earth science data managers were interviewed using a job analyses approach focused on job tasks and their frequencies. Data managers identified tasks related to preservation and curation in the data lifecycle, though the most mentioned tasks do not relate directly to sequential actions in the data lifecycle, but rather are more oriented toward full-life cycle actions. These are communication and project management activities. Data managers require domain knowledge of science and management skills beyond the data lifecycle to do their jobs. Several tasks did relate to the data lifecycle, such as data discovery, and require an understanding of the data, technology, and information infrastructures to support data use, re-use and preservation. Most respondents lacked formal education, acquiring necessary skills through informal, self-directed study or professional training, indicating opportunity for integrating information science and data management curriculum in disciplinary academic programs.