Astromat

The submission of astromaterials samples data and related information to the ADA is initiated by the data producer or their designated delegate(s) who prepare and submit their submission using Astromat’s online data submission interfaces providing descriptive information critical to discoverability and reuse of the data. To further reusability, upon submission, an open data license is selected. Astromat provides detailed instructions, including templates and guidelines to aid data producers or their designated delegates throughout the submission process.

The data acquisition process is a manual and semi-automated appraisal of submitted data and related information by the Astromat curation team and the evaluation ensures:

• the data are within the scope of Astromat;
• the metadata, data, and related information that is submitted are complete, correct, and are free of any sensitive or inappropriate information;
• the data can be preserved for discovery, access, and use through a thorough quality assurance (QA) assessment.

The submitted data will also undergo a peer review process to ensure the usability of the resources by current and future users. The peer review processes seeks to:

• assess the methodology, scientific quality, and potential applicability of the data;
• determine whether there is sufficient contextual information included so that potential users will be able to identify whether the data are appropriate for the intended use.

Any issues raised during the data curation or peer review process are addressed and resolved prior to dissemination.

After successful completion of the acquisition process, all data objects receive the same level of preservation and are prepared to facilitate discovery and reuse by potential users. All submitted data are:

• Assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to enable it to be uniquely identified, globally, and to be maintained as a persistent identifier;
• Associated with information and references, including links, about relevant publications that describe the data, samples, methodologies, or uses of the data to enable exploration by potential users;
• Assigned an open license (data producer or designated delegate selects an open licensing agreement option upon submission);
• Monitored under the scope of release management for public accessibility;
• Prepared for publication, including a thorough review that all related information has been included and prepared for public release;
• Released on the Astromat website and discoverable through the Astromat search tools, catalogs, and metadata harvesters.

Upon publication, the data and related information are transferred to the cloud for redundant long-term storage and preservation.

The Astromat team is deeply committed to assisting current and new users with Astromat capabilities for sharing, discovering, and using data. Continuous support and involvement in the community:

• Ensure that all questions and feedback regarding current and new data products and services are addressed;
• Contribute to Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts, which is guided by the Astromat Operations Management Board. As part of CQI, opportunities to address users’ expectations and challenges are examined routinely to identify easier and efficient ways for the astromaterials samples data community to submit, find, and analyze data;
• Provide insight into improvements to the Astromat Curation of Submitted Data Workflow processes and procedures; issues encountered during any step of the workflow are assessed to determine improvements for enhancing efficiency, quality, and usability of the astromaterials sample data, related information, and services that are shared with the public;
• Examine and review policies so they evolve with the needs of the community as well as supports collaborative monitoring of community standards.

Astromat engages current and potential members of the astromaterials samples data community and the general public to increase awareness of the data products and services for data submission, data archiving, and data access that are available at Astromat. Through outreach activities, the Astromat team:

• Interfaces with the data community through targeted learning workshops and demonstrations on Astromat tools and services;
• Maintains a presence at conferences, workshops, and events relevant to the astromaterials samples data community;
• Understands the evolving needs of the astromaterials samples data community;
• Identifies opportunities for improving the data products and service.