FAIR Data by Design: A Case of the DiVA Portal

Abstract

FAIR Data Principles is a guideline for making data and other digital objects findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Thus far, the traction and uptake of the principle are primarily in the domain of bio and natural sciences. The knowledge gap is the application of the FAIR Data Principles in designing data repositories for FAIR data in the academic data ecosystem. This paper provides a critical insight into how the principle can be utilised as a paradigm to design data that embodies the tenets of FAIR Data Principles. We conducted a case study of the DiVA portal, an information repository and finding tool in Sweden, to explicate FAIR data by design. The portal scored high in a qualitative assessment against the 15 facets of FAIR Data Principles, as illustrated by the high density of green cells in the traffic light rating matrix (see Table 1). It indicates the robustness of data in the portal that is easy to share, find, and reuse. This study suggests practitioners operationalise FAIR Data Principles in their data repositories by design through systems and policies underpinned by the principle. It would enrich data governance and management for the back office and data experiences for end users. The study also advances the knowledge base on data management through a granular exposition of FAIR data by design.