[Esip-preserve] ESIP Citation Guidelines

[Mark A. Parsons]

On 12 Oct 2010, at 7:57 AM, Lynnes, Christopher S. (GSFC-6102) wrote:

>> 
>> We also need to consider the perspective of Joe Data User. "How do I cite a data set I used in my paper?" Like most existing data, the data set has no special identifiers.
> 
> Hopefully not for too much longer.  A consensus is forming around DOIs as special identifiers--if only we could proceed forward with a more widespread implementation (something I will be bringing up at the ESDSWG meeting in New Orleans).

Agreed. Those of us who aren't should start using DOIs for collections. Imperfect though they may be, they are emerging as the standard that the publishers like. This helps with the cultural shift that Rama mentions. Indeed as someone charged with engaging with diverse science and data management communities, I work to foster that shift. 

It occurs to me we need two sets of guidelines:

1. Guidelines for the data user on how to cite a data set. These are more in the manner of a style guide like the IPY guidelines. The first guidance should be cite the data as the provider or publisher recommend. This implies the need for number 2.

2. Guidelines for data publishers. These include technical recommendations on how to use identifiers handle versions etc. They also should include guidance on how to work with providers to determine data authors and other contributors. They should reference  broader best practices such as Ken suggested that help citations aid scientific reproducibility. Finally they should highlight critical gaps and research areas such as Bruce has been emphasizing.

Cheers,

-m.