The landscape of data reuse in interactive information retrieval: Motivations, sources, and evaluation of reusability

Reusing research data can effectively reduce efforts in data collection and enhance the replicability of evaluation experiments, especially for small laboratories and research teams studying human-centered systems. Building a sustainable data reuse process and culture relies on frameworks that encompass policies, standards, roles, and responsibilities, all of which must address the diverse needs of data providers, curators, and reusers. This study investigated data reuse practices of experienced researchers in Interactive Information Retrieval (IIR), a field where data reuse has been strongly advocated but still remains a challenge. We conducted 21 semi-structured in-depth interviews with IIR researchers from varying demographic backgrounds, institutions, and career stages about their motivations, experiences, and concerns regarding data reuse. We uncovered the rationales, criteria, and strategies they used in reusability assessments, as well as the challenges they faced when attempting to reuse research data in their studies. These empirical findings enrich ongoing discussions about the reusability of user-generated data and research resources and help promote community-level data reuse culture and standards in both traditional and emerging IIR research fields.