Deposit Options to Enhance the FAIR Principles

Abstract

Research data repositories must adhere to the FAIR Principles to make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable as a minimum standard rather than a goal. In addition to making data findable, repositories should also strive to make data discoverable. Discoverability goes beyond cataloging data with just a Direct Object Identifier (DOI) to make it findable. Discoverable data turn up in many kinds of searches via contexts such as topics, variables, and funders. The keys to data discoverability are thorough metadata and effective search engines. Metadata is also important in making data accessible and interoperable. Most repositories for research data have only one method of deposit and access. That is, the repository hosts the only accessible version of the research data and documentation including the codebook or data dictionary. These repositories make the research data available for download or through a restricted access mechanism. It is essential for research data repositories to adhere to the FAIR Principles.