February 2025 – Page 2

“Data and Code Availability in Political Science Publications from 1995 to 2022”

In this paper, we assess the availability of reproduction archives in political science. By “reproduction archive,” we mean the data and code supporting quantitative research articles that allows others to reproduce the computations described in the published paper. We collect a random sample of quantitative research articles published in political science from 1995 to 2022. We find that—even in 2022—most quantitative research articles do not point a reproduction archive. However, practices are improving. In 2014, when the DA-RT symposium was published in PS, about 12% of quantitative research articles point to the data and code. Eight years later, in 2022, that has increased to 31%. This underscores a massive shift in norms, requirements, and infrastructure. Still, only a minority of articles share the supporting data and code.

https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/a5yxe_v2

Digital Exploration Center Librarian at University of Central Florida

In this new role, you will coordinate a wide range of cutting-edge research initiatives, from data visualization and geospatial mapping to digital storytelling and humanities projects. You will coordinate with other colleagues and will offer consultations, workshops, and a variety of scholarly events. As a leader, you will be instrumental in launching and shaping the Libraries’ new Digital Exploration Center (DEC), opening in early 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will feature an immersive visualization lab, extended reality (XR) technologies, an adjustable classroom, podcast and production studios, and flexible collaboration spaces.

https://tinyurl.com/55k2nrw3

“Peer Review of Data Papers: Does It Achieve Expectations for Facilitating Data Sharing and Reuse?”

This paper presents a qualitative study of open peer review reports of data papers in a data journal Earth System Science Data. We examine to what extent the actual review practices of data papers align with identifying the most valuable datasets and promoting data reuse. We conclude that peer reviewers adopted a variety of criteria to evaluate data papers, but it is still challenging for reviewers to identify the most valuable datasets that should be reused. In addition, our findings demonstrate the correlation between data paper evaluations and subsequent reuse of the underlying datasets.

https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5130257

Head of Research Data Services at Georgia Institute of Technology

As the Head of Research Data Services, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the library’s role in supporting data-intensive research at a leading Research 1 (R1) institution. This role includes the opportunity to hire two full-time positions to support the department’s mission and to develop strong partnerships across campus to advance research data activities. This position will lead efforts to develop, implement, and promote services that address the full lifecycle of research data, from data management planning to long-term preservation and reuse.

https://tinyurl.com/e7a65vcr

Paywall: “Gemini, & Copilot: Using Generative AI as a Tool for Information Literacy Instruction”

In this paper, the author demonstrates their experiences using generative AI to both assist in developing class activity ideas and in facilitating appropriate student use of generative AI in an information literacy course. Attention is given to emphasizing improper uses of generative AI, specifically within the research process, and how the tools may instead be used in an ethical and useful manner to assist with brainstorming research topics. . . The author describes the activities in detail, including how generative AI was used to assist in forming ideas for an interactive lesson to demonstrate various applications of the technology.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2025.2465416

CODATA: “Official Publication of DDI Cross-Domain Integration (DDI-CDI) Version 1.0”

DDI-CDI extends traditional DDI metadata to describe data beyond the social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) domains, addressing the need for broader capabilities. It supports descriptions of event and sensor data (“long” data), key-value data (often associated with “big” data and no-SQL data), and multi-dimensional data. By integrating these with traditional “wide” (or “rectangular”) DDI data descriptions, DDI-CDI enables the management and production of integrated data sets from diverse sources.

Further descrption from “DDI-CDI (DDI Cross-Domain Integration)”:

DDI-CDI is a new standard which is designed to be used with research data from any domain. While it minimally describes metadata for cataloguing and citation, its fundamental purpose is to describe data and process. The specification is domain-neutral and covers the majority of data structures in common use today: Wide, Long, Multi-Dimensional and Key-Value. It offers, for the first time, a mechanism to interoperate disparate data from multiple disciplines and domains at the lowest level of granularity i.e. the datum itself. While it is designed to complement its siblings in the DDI Alliance Product Suite – DDI-Codebook and DDI-Lifecycle, which operate in the Social, Behavioral and Economic domain – it is also intended to work with a wide variety of other domain-specific and generic metadata specifications. Integration is a first-order consideration in DDI-CDI and so it is designed from the ground up to work well with controlled vocabularies from any domain as well as with other standards.

https://tinyurl.com/yvph3r68

Digital Records Archivist at New York State Archives

Participate in the appraisal, accessioning, description, and preservation of hybrid and born-digital archival records;

Research, analyze, and recommend strategies for developing and improving NYSA’s electronic records services;

Develop training, publications, and tools designed to support state and local government records management programs;

Participate in the development of internal procedures and staff training programs specific to managing archival electronic records;

https://tinyurl.com/t246a5xh

“Challenges of Responsible AI in Practice: Scoping Review and Recommended Actions”

Responsible AI (RAI) guidelines aim to ensure that AI systems respect democratic values. While a step in the right direction, they currently fail to impact practice. Our work discusses reasons for this lack of impact and clusters them into five areas: (1) the abstract nature of RAI guidelines, (2) the problem of selecting and reconciling values, (3) the difficulty of operationalising RAI success metrics, (4) the fragmentation of the AI pipeline, and (5) the lack of internal advocacy and accountability. Afterwards, we introduce a number of approaches to RAI from a range of disciplines, exploring their potential as solutions to the identified challenges. We anchor these solutions in practice through concrete examples, bridging the gap between the theoretical considerations of RAI and on-the-ground processes that currently shape how AI systems are built. Our work considers the socio-technical nature of RAI limitations and the resulting necessity of producing socio-technical solutions.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-024-01880-9

Open Research Manager at University of St Andrews

This role will focus on research data management and doctoral theses, and our ideal candidate will have experience of repositories and at least one of these areas of specialism.

The purpose of this role is to focus on advocacy and outreach for Research Data Management and Theses, managing operational elements of the infrastructure, staff and services which support the University’s culture of Open Research.

https://tinyurl.com/3ut6deu6

“Data Stewardship Decoded: Mapping Its Diverse Manifestations and Emerging Relevance at a Time of AI”

Data stewardship has become a critical component of modern data governance, especially with the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite its increasing importance, the concept of data stewardship remains ambiguous and varies in its application. This paper explores four distinct manifestations of data stewardship to clarify its emerging position in the data governance landscape. These manifestations include a) data stewardship as a set of competencies and skills, b) a function or role within organizations, c) an intermediary organization facilitating collaborations, and d) a set of guiding principles. The paper subsequently outlines the core competencies required for effective data stewardship, explains the distinction between data stewards and Chief Data Officers (CDOs), and details the intermediary role of stewards in bridging gaps between data holders and external stakeholders. It also explores key principles aligned with the FAIR framework (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and introduces the emerging principle of AI readiness to ensure data meets the ethical and technical requirements of AI systems. The paper emphasizes the importance of data stewardship in enhancing data collaboration, fostering public value, and managing data reuse responsibly, particularly in the era of AI. It concludes by identifying challenges and opportunities for advancing data stewardship, including the need for standardized definitions, capacity building efforts, and the creation of a professional association for data stewardship.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.10399

Associate Archivist for Digitization at Missouri Historical Society

The Associate Archivist for Digitization will work under the supervision of the Archivist to digitize and catalog the archival collections of the Missouri Historical Society. This position is responsible for digitization, metadata creation, and maintaining the Archives’ online collection.

https://tinyurl.com/2s3kham3

“Copyright’s Big Win in the First Decided US Artificial Intelligence Case”

Back in March of 2023, when there were only a handful of cases alleging copyright infringement for training purposes by AI companies, I predicted that we would soon have some guidance from the court in Thomson Reuters Enterprise Center GMBH and West Publishing Corp. V Ross Intelligence, Inc. Predicting the timing of court decisions is a fool’s errand, and this fool was repeatedly wrong in his predictions on timing. Nonetheless, on February 11, the Ross case did in fact become the first US decision on the merits to directly address copying to train AI. Now we have a clear decision, and it is favorable for rightsholders.

https://tinyurl.com/4amunsmf

Electronic Resources Metadata Librarian at Old Dominion University

The Electronic Resources Metadata Librarian oversees and performs cataloging and electronic resources management activities to ensure that all of the Libraries’ electronic resources are fully integrated into our inventory and easily findable and accessible to all users. The candidate will be responsible for activating and managing new and existing e-resources, managing regular workflows and quality control for e-resources, identifying and leading projects for e-resources cataloging and record cleanup, serving as a resource for staff for difficult e-resource questions, working with the Resource Discovery Librarian on user access issues, and working with Resource Fulfillment/Acquisitions on new and cancelled subscriptions for e-resources.

https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/22697

Data Curation Network: “New Format Data Curation Primers in 2024”

We’re excited to share three new data curation primers released by the Data Curation Network, focusing on critical formats and approaches in scientific and cultural data management: FITS (Flexible Image Transport System), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and Linked Data.

(Links added in the above.)

https://tinyurl.com/3kht2syn

Open Education Librarian at Western Oregon University

The Open Education Librarian plays a pivotal role in fostering student success by championing open educational resources (OER) and promoting affordable course materials.. . .

Because inclusivity, digital accessibility, copyright and open licensing are important to supporting faculty and advocating for open educational resources, the Open Education Librarian also serves as a resource on these topics for Library and Academic Innovation and campus as a whole.

https://tinyurl.com/4zmskyt4

U.S. Research Data Summit: Strengthening Cooperation Across Organizations and Sectors: Proceedings of a Workshop

On October 10-11, 2023, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted the U.S. Research Data Summit at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, DC. The summit was undertaken by a planning committee organized under the U.S. National Committee for CODATA. The summit was informed by input from 29 organizations, including leaders from federal government agencies, the private sector, public and nonprofit organizations, and research institutions. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the summit.

https://tinyurl.com/yjbuhkwz

Open Systems Librarian at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The librarian will provide technical support for our suite of scholarly communication platforms, and interoperability with other university systems. In addition, the Open Systems Librarian will lead the way in actively identifying, evaluating, and, as necessary, deploying new technologies and tools to improve library services, further process automation, and respond to user needs.

https://tinyurl.com/3vktdpae

“Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing”

Microsoft today introduced Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum chip powered by a new Topological Core architecture that it expects will realize quantum computers capable of solving meaningful, industrial-scale problems in years, not decades. . . .

In the same way that the invention of semiconductors made today’s smartphones, computers and electronics possible, topoconductors and the new type of chip they enable offer a path to developing quantum systems that can scale to a million qubits and are capable of tackling the most complex industrial and societal problems, Microsoft said. . . .

This new architecture used to develop the Majorana 1 processor offers a clear path to fit a million qubits on a single chip that can fit in the palm of one’s hand, Microsoft said. This is a needed threshold for quantum computers to deliver transformative, real-world solutions – such as breaking down microplastics into harmless byproducts or inventing self-healing materials for construction, manufacturing or healthcare. All the world’s current computers operating together can’t do what a one-million-qubit quantum computer will be able to do. . . .

Because they can use quantum mechanics to mathematically map how nature behaves with incredible precision – from chemical reactions to molecular interactions and enzyme energies – million-qubit machines should be able to solve certain types of problems in chemistry, materials science and other industries that are impossible for today’s classical computers to accurately calculate.

https://tinyurl.com/4twbh57a

Library Services Platform Technology Analyst at Princeton University Library

Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks candidates for the position of Library Services Platform Technology Analyst. The position is a member of the Metadata and Enterprise Operations (MEO) team in the Cataloging and Metadata Services department, supporting our Library Services Platform (LSP) and other Library software systems that provide access to the Library’s physical and electronic collections. The position collaborates with other team members to administer, configure, troubleshoot the LSP (Ex Libris Alma) and other relevant systems to support end users as they utilize these systems.

https://tinyurl.com/y69nwck5

“Clarivate Unveils Transformative Subscription-Based Access Strategy for Academia”

The new strategy includes the introduction of two market-leading solutions that are now available.

ProQuest Ebooks offers. . . .

Over 700,000 Ebooks, across 10 core disciplines, plus additional essential interdisciplinary titles. . . .

The addition of Ebook Central Research Assistant, a powerful new AI tool designed to enhance student learning and streamline research.

ProQuest Digital Collections offers . . . .

Over 160 million primary source items complemented by over 2,500 full-text scholarly journals, more than 24,000 video titles, and 15 million audio tracks. . . .

[A]ccess to nine ProQuest One discipline solutions including Anthropology, Entertainment & Popular Culture, Global Studies & International Relations, History, Literature, Performing Arts, Visual Arts & Design. . . .

As part of this transformative strategy and following changes in demand from libraries, Clarivate will also phase out one-time perpetual purchases of digital collections, print and digital books for libraries. These transitions will take place throughout 2025, in close co-operation with customers.

https://tinyurl.com/3mtsr3kr

Digital Archivist at Indiana University Bloomington

Reporting to the Director of University Archives and Special Collections, the Digital Archivist leads and supports the University’s efforts to acquire, describe, preserve, and provide access to born-digital university records and papers of IU faculty, staff and alumni. The Digital Archivist will work collaboratively with the Director, the University Records Manager, Library Technologies staff and university partners to create workflows for ingestion, appraisal, preservation, processing, description and access to born- digital records throughout the university system. The Digital Archivist will take a leadership role in the acquisition of and management of born digital records within the university records management program and collection development process, maintaining regular communication with university staff and donors.

https://tinyurl.com/3wba2h34

“Supporting the Research Data Management Journey of a Postgraduate Student at the University of St Andrews”

Most research funders have requirements for data management plans and open data to foster good research data management practices. In order to embed these practices in the postgraduate research (PGR) student journey we have introduced the requirement for a data management plan as part of the first-year progress review and the encouragement to make data underpinning theses publicly available. To support students through these processes we provide a suite of training workshops and are available for one-to-one consultations. User feedback and frequently asked questions are used to review and improve our support offering.

This brief report discusses the planning and implementation processes for data management plan requirement and encouragement of underpinning data. It dives deeper into the workflows, especially for the data deposit, and describes training and support available to students. Statistics on training uptake, data management plan submissions and annual trends for data deposit are also presented. The report concludes with lessons learnt and the team’s plans for the near future.

https://doi.org/10.2218/ijdc.v19i1.980

Digital Publishing Manager at Washington University in St. Louis

The Digital Publishing Manager plans, develops, implements, and assesses WashU Libraries’ digital publishing programs and infrastructure, providing support for diverse academic and creative works—journals, books, and other web-based projects—and integrating digital publishing tools into research, teaching and learning. The incumbent ensures a user-focused approach to delivering services, leads training and outreach in collaboration with colleagues across the Libraries and the University, and supports related departmental initiatives to broaden the dissemination, accessibility, and impact of scholarly output at WashU.

https://tinyurl.com/ynyetan6

“Unveiling the Report Findings from IOI’s Study on the State of Open Research Software Infrastructure”

Key recommendations

Surface hidden information – One of the biggest challenges we discovered during the study is a scarcity of available, standardized, and meaningful data. This information gap limits the visibility of what is happening in research software and in the development of infrastructure to support it. There is a pressing need to give time and attention at the field level to identify and subsequently gather the needed data to fill the information gaps.

Strengthen the scaffolding – As the field matures, its actors need stronger scaffolding to support norms and activities. Scaffolding, in this instance, can be defined as elements that, with appropriate instantiation, might become the backbone (social, technical, administrative) infrastructure supporting the field. There is a need to shift the priority from creating to integrating and maintaining, and to encourage and enable consolidation, specialization, mergers, and handoffs.

Grow the market – One of the challenges we have noticed is that research software infrastructures are leaning on the same funding sources, and those funding sources may not last. We’ve seen this in other fields as well. There is a need to figure out how to identify the research software users and how those users connect to customers. Understanding how that user connects to the dollars necessary to keep the research infrastructures running is also essential. This is not about profit but keeping things running and having a dependable system.

Invest in coordination – Research software is still in its infancy and lacks well-established practices, scaffolding, and market structures. With these conditions, no single actor can succeed alone in this evolving field, especially amid today’s challenging fiscal and political landscape for open science. Philanthropic funders can step in with targeted investments that build the foundational architecture of research software infrastructure. Such investments would bolster individual projects, programs, and organizations and create the necessary environment — providing time, space, tools, and structured support — across training, packaging, hosting, socialization, and advocacy) to collaborate across disciplines and geographies.

https://tinyurl.com/bddnzd7c

The State of Open Research Software Infrastructure

Associate General Counsel – Intellectual Property & Emerging Technologies at New York Public Library

As NYPL continues to innovate and expand our digital and technological initiatives, we seek an experienced Associate General Counsel with expertise in intellectual property (IP) and emerging technologies, who will also provide legal counsel on a broad range of generalist matters. The Associate General Counsel will work closely with other Legal Department members in a small legal team and report directly to the General Counsel. This position will serve as a legal advisor, supporting NYPL’s mission by managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and providing strategic guidance on matters related to IP (copyright and fair use and trademarks), digital initiatives, AI and emerging technologies, also an opportunity to work in such areas as general corporate, employment, and contract law.

https://tinyurl.com/22z9fjeu