Published Data Library (PDL)

Implementation of the PDL

Current implementation

Currently, the PDL is implemented as an operational prototype. Static web pages are supported by versioned storage on BODC servers.

In the unlikely event of BODC abandoning data publication, the published dataset will be maintained by BODC who have managed oceanographic data for over 40 years. Therefore, the long-term stewardship of these initial datasets is assured.

Datasets are labelled using Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) assigned under the governance of DataCite through the British Library. The data publisher for the DOI account used is the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) — BODC's parent body.

Medium-term development

It is obviously unrealistic to expect BODC to offer unlimited data storage for an indefinite period. Consequently, an alternative repository within NERC needs to be developed. The static PDL catalogue web pages will be replaced by a dynamic equivalent to minimise the work needed to add new datasets to the library.

Long-term development

The PDL is based on a model in which multiple copies of datasets are stored in full indefinitely. Data storage, however, is not an infinite resource. Consequently, there will be a limit to the number of datasets that may be stored in the library and certain types of high volume data may have to be excluded.

Additionally, BODC needs to examine its operational systems to enable the introduction of strictly enforced formal dataset versioning. We also need to develop techniques to recreate previous versions without unnecessary storage duplication. This will not be easy and it could potentially be very expensive. However, BODC is committed to investigating and costing possible options.

Related PDL pages at BODC

Related BODC pages

Related external links