Within the UK there are over 196 different online data capture sites, apps, recording groups and organisations.
The data flow between these groups and the NBN is unclear to other users and it can be extremely challenging for participants to clearly see if, and at what resolution, their data will flow to the NBN for wider use. For example, 50% of the 196 projects in the NBN database of recording schemes and projects don’t yet share data via the NBN Gateway. Additionally, for many projects, such as HLF funded projects, sharing data via the NBN Gateway is a funding requirement and the audit process for this is unclear.
The need to clarify data flows, and also to celebrate the commitment of NBN data partners to sharing their data as part of this national Network is well overdue. The NBN Strategy consultation process, and the Online Recording Working Group, have highlighted the need to implement a system of ‘NBN data sharing badges’ which can be embedded into online recording sites, project websites and promotional literature.
NBN Data Sharing Badges were launched in November 2016 and emailed to all NBN Data Partners as a way for an organisation or group to quickly and easily show that their data are shared with the NBN.
The badges are designed to:
- Showcase an organisation’s commitment to sharing data
- Help recorders know if their records are likely to contribute to UK-wide data holdings via the NBN
- Easily demonstrate commitment to funding requirements
- Increase clarity of data flows
- Raise the awareness of the National Biodiversity Network, and all those involved
- Promote the work of recording groups and projects
Many recorders tell the NBN Secretariat that they would like their records to be shared further, but are unsure whether the group or organisation they submit their data to currently commit to data sharing. The presence of an NBN Data Sharing Badge on a group’s website, social media page or data collection site, will help to inform and motivate individual recorders, as well as promote the work of the group further. It is envisaged that data partners will use their badge with a hyperlink to further information about their organisation and how their work ties in with the NBN’s aims and objectives of openly shared data.
Each year a new badge will be awarded to NBN Data Partners who have shared data via the NBN during the previous year. Keep your eye out for these badges (see 2016-2017 version below) – they have already appeared on email footers, and presentations at the NBN Conference, and don’t forget to make your badge publicly visible too!
You can find out more about the background to the badges by reading the report from the 2016 NFBR Conference.
