Entanglement of bibliographic database content and data collection practices: Rethinking data integration using findings from a study of European databases for research output

Abstract

Large-scale research information systems (RIS henceforth) seem to be a characteristic of the day. New systems are implemented; records from existing systems are made interoperable and integrated. Integration of data from specific RIS, namely, bibliographic databases for research output in the social sciences and humanities, is explored also within the COST Action “European Network for Research Evaluation in Social Sciences and Humanities” (ENRESSH), a network launched in 2016 (COST Association 2015). In ENRESSH, it is emphasised that national bibliographic databases can be instrumental in the enhancement of the visibility of research within the social sciences and the humanities. One of the aims of ENRESSH is to design a roadmap for a European database that would include data on research output within SSH from different European countries. Hence the first step towards this end is a study of currently existing databases.

Here I present a selection of findings from a (still on-going) study tasked with identifying and describing currently existing national bibliographic databases for research output within SSH in Europe (launched in Autumn 2016). In addition, I propose a conceptualisation of data integration that foregrounds the close links databases for research output, as well as research information systems more broadly, have with social contexts wherein such systems are embedded. This way, it is possible to identify challenges to data integration and, secondly, such a conceptualisation can lead to novel ideas for new designs of RIS.