Indicators for the Data Usage Index (DUI): an incentive for publishing primary biodiversity data through global information infrastructure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A professional recognition mechanism is required to encourage expedited publishing of an adequate volume of 'fit-for-use' biodiversity data. As a component of such a recognition mechanism, we propose the development of the Data Usage Index (DUI) to demonstrate to data publishers that their efforts of creating biodiversity datasets have impact by being accessed and used by a wide spectrum of user communities.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>We propose and give examples of a range of 14 absolute and normalized biodiversity dataset usage indicators for the development of a DUI based on search events and dataset download instances. The DUI is proposed to include relative as well as species profile weighted comparative indicators.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We believe that in addition to the recognition to the data publisher and all players involved in the data life cycle, a DUI will also provide much needed yet novel insight into how users use primary biodiversity data. A DUI consisting of a range of usage indicators obtained from the GBIF network and other relevant access points is within reach. The usage of biodiversity datasets leads to the development of a family of indicators in line with well known citation-based measurements of recognition.</p

Promoting e-Health resources: lessons learned

The increase in the number of online health resources and in particular medical digital libraries has made a wealth of information available to health professionals. Previous research has mainly concentrated on the usability and development of the resource but often, the continued promotion of the site and how to increase the levels of usage over an extended period are overlooked. In this paper we present a number of factors that have influenced the levels of usage on the National electronic Library of Infection (NeLI) family of websites. These include active promotional techniques such as attendance at conferences and eNewsletters but also passive factors such as referrals from other sites. The impact of these factors on usage levels of the sites are detailed and discussed further