User Requirements for Designing an Agricultural Research Dataset Repository
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Abstract
This research aimed to examine user requirements and propose design guidelines for an agricultural research dataset repository to support education and research. A qualitative approach was used to collect data through in-depth interviews with 21 key informants. Results revealed that users perceived the necessity and benefits of an agricultural research dataset repository as a storage, dissemination, and retrieval platform for research and development. This approach facilitated user access and increased efficiency while also providing cost-effective research resources and promoting long-term and sustainable utilization. Regarding the agricultural dataset repository's requirements, users preferred a simple interface design with clear data organization and a color scheme consistent with the University's main website to enhance credibility and support cross-platform data linkage, registration-free access, basic and advanced search functions, and an automatic backup system for long-term preservation. Users emphasized the importance of accurate and comprehensive metadata appropriate for agricultural research datasets, with content classification by data characteristics (Tabular, image, text) and readiness (Raw, processed). Furthermore, the repository was expected to be reliable and systematically managed, save searching time, and provide opportunities for further research. However, researchers expressed concerns about dataset ownership, rights infringement, academic advantages, and data security, which impact the disclosure and sharing of research datasets and the promotion of open science in Thailand.
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