University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Value and Context in Data Use: Domain Analysis Revisited

Weber, Nicholas M.; Baker, Karen S.; Thomer, Andrea K.; Chao, Tiffany C.; Palmer, Carole L.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/48760

Description

Title
Value and Context in Data Use: Domain Analysis Revisited
Author(s)
  • Weber, Nicholas M.
  • Baker, Karen S.
  • Thomer, Andrea K.
  • Chao, Tiffany C.
  • Palmer, Carole L.
Issue Date
2012
Keyword(s)
Cyberinfrastructure, eScience, Data curation
Abstract
“Context” is an elusive concept in Information Science – often invoked, and yet rarely explained. In this paper we take a domain analytic approach to examine five sub-disciplines within Earth Systems Science to show how the context of data production and use often impacts the value of data. We argue simply that the value of research data increases with their use. Our analysis is informed by two economic perspectives: first, that data production needs to be situated within a broader information economy; and second, that the concept of anti-fragility helps explain how data increase in value through exposure to diverse contexts of use. We discuss the importance of these perspectives for the development of information systems capable of facilitating interdisciplinary scientific work, as well as the design of sustainable cyberinfrastructures.
Publisher
ASIST, Wiley
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/48760
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/meet.14504901168

Owning Collections

Student Publications and Research - Information Sciences PRIMARY
Publications, conference papers, and other research and scholarship of iSchool students.