Sharing Australia's Nationally Significant Terrestrial Ecosystem Data: A Collaboration between TERN and ANDS

Abstract

Collection based approaches are commonly used in libraries for collections of physical and electronic resources. However nationally significant collections of research data are new development, one that is increasing importance to researchers. Bringing together datasets of national significance and making them openly accessible will enable to address some of the critical questions facing our society. In ecosystem domain, this will enable us to understand more about causes and effects of changes in the ecosystem. An implementation case study based on Tern's OzFlux data collections as a national collection program initiated by ANDS is presented. This paper demonstrates how the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the Australian National Data Service (ANDS) are working together to identify and publish nationally significant ecosystem data collections to enhance discoverability, accessibility and re-use.