Definitions

Catalog

A metadata store that functions as a tool for search and discovery of digital objects.

• Catalogs may draw from one or more repositories, serving as a portal across multiple resources.

• There may be multiple catalogs for the same data repository, providing different views and enhancements to the repository information.

• Catalogs typically support "browsing" of digital objects as well as a search.

Data and Computing Ecosystem

Federated/distributed physical and digital assets, coordinated through shared services, policies, and standards to realize prescribed and user-driven workflows and science campaigns.

Hallmarks of a data and computing ecosystem include:

• Extensible, multi-purpose, no single node is essential.

• Components are independently managed and integrated by FAIR services and governance.

• Can be entirely open but usually have a variety of controlled access needs, trusted partnerships, and governance practices.

Data Sharing

Data sharing means making data available to people other than those who have generated them. Examples of data sharing range from bilateral communications with colleagues, to providing free, unrestricted access to the public through, for example, a web-based platform. DOE Requirements and Guidance for Digital Research Data Management: https://www.energy.gov/datamanagement/glossary

Repository

An organization that stewards digital objects, such as data, models, code, and related artifacts, for reuse.

• A repository typically imposes requirements on data submitters regarding formats, metadata, and possibly the use of specific ontologies or standards.

• Submitters typically relinquish custody of their submission to the repository, possibly with conditions for how the digital objects should be managed or shared, governance rules, etc.

• Often undertakes some level of data curation to ensure the quality of its content.

• Typically has mechanisms for receiving feedback from reusers of its content.

• Is responsible for updating metadata, including PID information, as needed.

• Is responsible for ensuring access and security controls match the designations of the data it stewards.

• Is responsible for ensuring data integrity, for example, through cyberinfrastructure risk management.

• Presents as a single, logical location but may host data across multiple locations and infrastructure.

• Certifications and guidance for repositories: CoreTrustSeal, TRUST, Desirable Characteristics for Federal Research Repositories

Search Engine

An interactive capability for search and discovery.

• A search engine may draw on metadata, e.g. through a catalog, and/or full data objects, e.g. full text search.

• A search engine may draw from multiple data resources covering multiple sources, modalities, and application areas.

Workspace

A computing platform where data can be accessed and analyzed or processed.

• Typically includes access to specified analysis and processing tools.

• May include capabilities for provenance capture.