USGS Data Management

The Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) frequently asked questions are a supplement to the
Survey Manual (SM) Instructional Memorandum (IM) OSQI 2015-03 for data review, approval, and
release of scientific data.
The Exit Survey Form, which collects general information and specifics about the departing
employees data, provides for an opportunity to document data and information created by the
employee, as well as to transfer knowledge and experience.
USGS unveils a tool for discovery of public USGS Datasets through text-based search; keyword,
mission area, data source, and scientist faceting; and GIS-based search mechanisms. USGS
programs can contribute to the Catalog by providing metadata for their online datasets through the
Dashboard.
USGS Data Management Assessment The USGS Data Management Assessment, made available for 7
weeks to USGS scientists and those who support science data management activities, closed on June
20th. An inter-Mission Area working group will meet in July to analyze the data and determine
appropriate venues for the distribution of findings. Stay tuned!
Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) usage and adoption in US Geological Survey [PDF] USGS presented
a poster in two conferences in 2014 on the adoption and usage of DOIs for data and information to
show the on-going effort in this area and raise awareness about the value of applying DOIs to USGS
science.
Science Data Life Cycle Open File Report The USGS Science Data Data Management Life Cycle,
around which the data management website is organized, will be release in an open file report soon.
The life cycle outlines data management steps to help ensure that USGS data are findable, and
preserved for access and use beyond the research project.
USGS Data Management Training Modules Need help performing good data management in your
research and organization? Follow three interactive modules to understand the value of data
management in science and get helpful tips and best practices to manage your data well.
USGS Data Management Website winner of the 2013 Shoemaker Awards The USGS Data
Management Website tied as a winner for the 2013 USGS Shoemaker Communication Awards under
the External: Internet Category. The website is committed to providing timely and relevant data
management best practices across the Bureau.
Data Management in the CDI FY14 Requests for Proposals The USGS Community for Data
Integration (CDI) has kickstarted the annual RFP process. This year, 7 Statements of Interests have
been submitted in Category 1: Management, Policy and Standards.
CDI Webinar Session on Data Management: Presentations The USGS Community for Data
Integration (CDI) held a special webinar session on Data Management in September 2013. The
session featured 8 presentations about data management activities across the USGS.
International Data Curation Conference (IDCC) The IDCC conference will highlight tools and data
services, address skills needed to manage and use data assets, and explore perspectives on the

progress of data curation. All data and information

http://www.computerworld.com/category/big-data/ creators, managers, users, researchers, and
teachers are welcome.
Open Data Policy Managing Information as an Asset [PDF] Important memorandum from the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) was released on May 9, 2013. Arriving months after the OSTP
Memo [PDF], the OMB https://app.box.com/s/1gppp2ezwkupd2annrcsiieo4vtgouw6 memo defines
'open data' as "...publicly available data structured in a way that enables the data to be fully
discoverable and usable by end users." The policy requires information to be created to support
downstream information processing and dissemination activities. Other requirements involve
building information systems to "support interoperability and information accessibility and
strengthening data management and release practices. The OMB is accompanied by an Executive
Order from the President that proposes responsible management of all federal data."
USGS Science Data Release FINAL.pdf">Coming Soon! The Geologic Collections Management
System (GCMS)[PDF] The GCMS is a Master Catalog and Collections Management Plan for USGS
Geologic Samples and Sample Collections. The Geologic Materials Repository Working Group led
by the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program (NGGDPP) has examined
ways in which USGS collections could be coordinated, cataloged, and made available to researchers.
Criteria have been developed for evaluating current collections and to establish an operating plan
and set of standard practices for handling, identifying, and retaining future sample collections. It is
anticipated that the GCMS publication will be available by the end of the summer. Stay tuned!
Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research [PDF] Important
memorandum from the Presidents Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was released on
February 23, 2013. The memo is intended to ensure "wider availability of peer-reviewed publications
and scientific data in digital formats" to "accelerate scientific breakthroughs and innovation,
promote entrepreneurship, and enhance economic growth and job creation" as well as "create
innovative economic markets for services related to curation, preservation, analysis, and
visualization."
http://www.usgs.gov/datamanagement/index.php