About the initiative
IsoMemo is not a database but an initiative that brings together independent repositories of isotopic data within the fields of archaeology, ecology, and environmental & life sciences.
Structure
Partners with own platforms
Several of the IsoMemo partners make available their data via their own online databases often employing user friendly graphical interfaces. Links to their websites are available via the IsoMemo partner directory.
Partners without a platform
Data collectors that do not have their own online space may be given a webspace via the Pandora data platform. This contains several useful features including, data repository with multiple data curation options, DOI assignment, membership and membership role management, among others.
All linked via Pandora
All IsoMemo partners with a Pandora space are linked via the IsoMemo network.
Metadata
Each IsoMemo partner is responsible for defining own metadata requirements. However, via our search engine we make an effort to map their data so that different datasets can be directly compared.
Open Access
IsoMemo is a collaborative effort bringing together scientists who contribute and use of isotopic data. Users are able to freely submit and/or download data from/to the different databases within the IsoMemo network. IsoMemo requests that all of its partners provide their data as Open Access and include recognition of data collection and compilation efforts via references and DOIs.
Technical aspects
IsoMemo website
The IsoMemo website is implemented using HTML5 and CSS to describe the presentation of the HTML files. The employed client-side language is JavaScript while PHP is employed on the server-side.
Data
Data is stored by IsoMemo partners at different repositories. Additional storing capabilities are offered by the Pandora data platform managed by the Max Planck Data and Computing Facility. Data made available via the IsoMemo search engine is backed up at regular intervals.
Pandora platform
Assignment of DOIs to datasets is made via the Pandora data platform managed by the Max Planck Library.
IsoMemo search
The IsoMemo search engine is developed in R language and it includes a browser-based Shiny interface.
Partnership model
IsoMemo is a partnership-based initiative that brings together a group of independent isotopic databases. Rather than a hierarchical model, IsoMemo adopts a distributive model among equal partners from different research fields. This model provides flexibility since different scientific fields have specific needs (e.g. metadata requirements) that cannot be accommodated within a one size-fit-all approach of a single central repository of data.
In this respect, IsoMemo functions as a network of data repositories directing users and producers of isotopic data to appropriate partners. Nonetheless, IsoMemo also promotes the definition of common data standards and data sharing among partners. Our initiative paves the way for carrying out interdisciplinary Big Data research projects. To aid with data sharing, IsoMemo is also developing Open Source search tools.
