DataUp: A tool to help researchers describe and share tabular data

Area of Science:

• Data Science
• Digital Curation
• Scientific Data Management

Background:

• Scientific datasets lose value without proper documentation, storage, and access.
• Small, heterogeneous datasets (the long tail of data) across disciplines are particularly at risk.
• Spreadsheets are a common format for these at-risk datasets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for better management of scientific data residing in spreadsheets.
• To develop a user-friendly data management tool that integrates into existing researcher workflows.
• To improve data documentation, long-term storage, discovery, and access for scientific datasets.

Main Methods:

• Partnered with Microsoft Research Connections and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to create the DataUp tool for Microsoft Excel.
• Conducted surveys and interviews with earth, environmental, and ecological scientists to assess researcher needs.
• Gathered community feedback to prioritize features for the DataUp tool based on identified requirements.

Main Results:

• Researchers demonstrated poor data management practices and lacked awareness of data centers and metadata standards.
• A list of desirable components and requirements for the DataUp tool was compiled based on researcher needs and community feedback.
• The DataUp data management tool was successfully developed and launched in October 2012.

Conclusions:

• The DataUp tool provides a solution for managing scientific data in spreadsheets, enhancing its long-term value.
• Addressing researchers' poor data management practices is crucial for preserving the value of scientific datasets.
• Integrating data management tools into existing workflows can minimize the learning curve for researchers and promote better data practices.