Considerations and Challenges for Describing Historical Research Data: A Case Study

ABSTRACT

This case study describes the several challenges faced by Library personnel at the University of Montana as they iteratively made an historical dataset available in the institutional repository in a way that attempted to optimize its discoverability, accessibility, searchability, and usability to current and future researchers. The authors will examine the development of this multi-media dataset collection in order to discuss the specific challenges and opportunities around: describing and making available an historical dataset, repository structures, metadata specifications, and accessibility requirements.

KEYWORDS:

• historical data
• digital commons
• seismic data
• data enhancement
• data description
• accessibility
• data dissemination