The SURFfoundation has released What Researchers Want.
Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
This publication reviews recent literature describing what researchers want with regard to data storage and access. It was commissioned by SURFfoundation. Fifteen recent sources were studied, covering the Netherlands, the UK, the USA, Australia, and Europe. . . .
The following factors play a role in making storage successful:
- Tools and services must be in tune with researchers’ workflows, which are often discipline-specific (and sometimes even project-specific)
- Researchers resist top-down and/or mandatory schemes.
- Researchers favour a “cafeteria” model in which they can pick and choose from a set of services.
- Tools and services must be easy to use.
- Researchers must be in control of what happens to their data, who has access to it, and under what conditions. Consequently, they want to be sure that whoever is dealing with their data (data centre, library, etc.) will respect their interests.
- Researchers expect tools and services to support their day-to-day work within the research project; long-term/public requirements must be subordinate to that interest.
- The benefits of the support must clearly visible – not in three years’ time, but now.
- Support must be local, hands-on, and available when needed.
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