Information Management Component

(K.S. Baker, PI)

Information management involves the use of design, management, and communication principles for information system design and the mediation work that facilitates the preservation and flow of data through its many stages involving data collectors, analysts, curators, programmers, users, and technologists. The focus of information management work extends to community level concerns with data reuse.

Palmer LTER Information Management addresses site science needs by creating an informatics environment, one prominent element of which is an information system that serves as a publishing system, a local data repository, and a forum for joint work. Design and articulation are important tactics of the Palmer Information Management Strategy. Specific information management aims are summarized in the following three objectives:

Objective 1: Provide data management services needed to capture, preserve, and provide access to data as well as to enable development of procedures for data presentation, quality control and data workflow.

Objective 2: Design, develop, and enact an information management strategy that supports evolution of 1) an information architecture providing for data organization and information system development as well as 2) an informatics environment for considering data practices, integration, and workflows that is informed by a blend of experience- based learning, research and synergistic disciplines such as science studies and communication.

Objective 3: Determine and carry out essential elements of data stewardship that enable the immediate local use of data and applications as well as facilitating long-term re-use of data and design elements through traditional and sociotechnical information management methods . Ongoing comparative analysis opens up our understanding of the multiple dimensions of data practices and the digital record.

Palmer Schema 2001 The two figures to the right (double click to enlarge) provide overviews of the information system in 2001 and in 2007. In 2002, a relational database approach was initiated and an information system called DataZoo became the center of a design effort (Figure 2007; http://oceaninformatics.ucsd.edu/datazoo). Replacing a data system limited to data capture and access using a hierarchical file system, DataZoo is now additionally provides online data query and data integration. Dictionaries and term sets play a key role in the schema. System applications include a personnel directory, bibliography, media gallery, and dataset catalog. Site metadata takes into account local and community standards building upon the Ecological Metadata Language specification. Palmer Schema 2007

Ocean Informatics (http://oceaninformatics.ucsd.edu) provides a conceptual framework for Palmer LTER information management. Initiated in 2003, this framework focuses on creating a sustainable information management environment able to address system sustainability, data interoperability, and collaborative design. Together with science studies partners, we are working to open up discursive practices and perspectives on informatics issues and collaborative work. Education/Outreach and information management strategies are recognized as synergistic with common elements of information flow, exchange, and delivery.

  • Information Management Photo Gallery
  • Community Building Activity Flyers 2004, 2005
  • Selected References:
    • 1996: Development of Palmer LTER Information Management (pdf)
    • 1998: Palmer LTER Information Management (pdf)
    • 1998: Climate Database Project (pdf)
    • 2002: Site Description Directories for Research Networks (pdf)
    • 2000: Evolution of a Multi-Site Network Information System (pdf)
    • 2004: Infrastructuring for the Long-Term (pdf)
    • 2005: Toward an Ocean Informatics Environment (pdf)
    • 2007: Articulation Work Supporting Information Infrastructure Design (pdf)