FAIR-USE4OS: Guidelines for creating impactful open-source software

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Research Software Engineering

Background:

• The FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) guidelines are established principles for research data management.
• There is a growing trend for funders to mandate open-source software (OSS) for research outputs.
• Current OSS practices, even when adhering to FAIR principles, may not guarantee comprehensive best practices in software development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the FAIR guidelines with new criteria for assessing open-source software best practices.
• To introduce the FAIR-USE4OS (User-Centered, Sustainable, Equitable) framework for evaluating OSS projects.
• To provide a more robust method for funders and researchers to evaluate and plan OSS development.

Main Methods:

• Extension of existing FAIR guidelines by incorporating the USE principles (User-Centered, Sustainable, Equitable).
• Development of criteria for evaluating software development against these extended guidelines.
• Focus on integrating user input, accessibility, and long-term sustainability into the software design process.

Main Results:

• The proposed FAIR-USE4OS guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for best practices in open-source software.
• Incorporating USE principles ensures software development is user-focused, accessible, and sustainable.
• This approach allows for the evaluation of OSS quality from the initial design phase, increasing potential impact.

Conclusions:

• The FAIR-USE4OS guidelines provide a necessary extension to existing principles for open-source software.
• Adherence to FAIR-USE4OS promotes the development of high-quality, impactful, and sustainable research software.
• These guidelines will aid funders and researchers in effectively planning and assessing open-source software projects.