The SND system for describing and sharing research data, DORIS, has received an update in terms of both functionality and appearance. The changes make the system easier to use and provide a better overview of the information in the system.
DORIS (the SND Data Organisation and Information System) was launched in spring as a tool to make it easier to share research data via the SND research data catalogue. The system has two groups of designated users: researchers and others who want to make research data accessible, and data professionals who review and publish the data descriptions. During autumn, SND has been working on updates to make DORIS more user-friendly. At the same time, the system has been given a new look and a new logo.
—It looks a bit different now, and I’m sure all users will notice that. In terms of functions, the biggest difference is that if you enter DORIS as a reviewer, you will find all of the data descriptions in one long list. This new feature, as well as new functions for filtering and sorting data descriptions, will make it easier to find what you are looking for. We hope that this will make it quicker and smoother to work in the system, says Linda Härdelin, Research Data Advisor in the SND DORIS workgroup.
DORIS has an activity log which shows the current status for a data description. This log has now been updated with a comment field, which can be used by data professionals who review incoming data descriptions.
—At the same time as you log who has done what and when, you can also add comments during the process. The comments are open and can be read by all of the reviewers of data descriptions in the same higher education institution. We know from experience that it’s convenient to be able to add free text comments while you work, and we think that this will benefit the internal communication.
Researchers who use DORIS to describe and share data will also discover some news. There is now a video guide for each section in the form where you describe data. The short film clips introduce the various fields and provide useful hints and advice during the process. Another update is that DORIS has been connected to the DiVA search portal, which makes it easier to link publications to a data description. Instead of entering information manually, you can search for publications and get the metadata directly from DiVA.
Log in to DORIS to have a look at the new user interface and to try out the new functions.