Planning for a New Data Preservation System for the Nation

Abstract

The National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program Act of 2005 was signed into law as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The new law arrived at a propitious time. Many federal and state geological repositories are at capacity. A poll of state geological surveys revealed that two-thirds of them have less than 10% space remaining. Many state repositories are gaining additional, but temporary and substandard space, using ocean-going containers or offsite warehouses, where access is limited and conditions are poor. Nearly half the repositories refuse to accept samples, while others are selective with the samples that they do accept. The Act authorizes a federally-supported, distributed repository system to contain “geologic, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, well logs, and samples” accessed through a national, web-based catalog. Administration of the system will be through the U.S. Geological Survey, advised by a Federal Advisory Committee (FAC), and in association with the state geological surveys. The Act authorizes $30 million for each of five years. In January 2006, the FAC established a data preservation working group to draft an implementation plan that was submitted to Congress in August of 2006. Included in the plan is creation of a National Digital Catalog, which will serve as a one-stop portal for geoscience materials and related data (cores, sample collections, geophysical logs, etc.) and a competitive, federal-assistance program for states and federal agencies to preserve their collections. Included will be support for data rescues (materials in imminent danger of loss), infrastructure (buildings, shelving, equipment), staffing, and for digital scanning, conversion, and archiving. The program includes support for outreach, public awareness and workshops. Finally, accountability measures will ensure performance is demonstrated before a state or federal agency can compete for additional funds. Implementation of the plan awaits federal appropriations.