The GESIS Data Archive for the Social Sciences: A Widely Recognised Data Archive on its Way

Abstract

This paper describes initial experiences in evaluating an established data archive with a long-standing commitment to preservation and dissemination of social science research data against recently formulated standards for trustworthy digital archives. As stakeholders need to be sure that the data they produce, use or fund is treated according to common standards, the GESIS Data Archive decided to start a process of audit and certification within the European Framework of Certification and Audit, starting with the Data Seal of Approval (DSA). This paper gives an overview of workflows within the archive and illustrates some of the steps necessary to obtain the DSA as well as to optimize some of its services. Finally, a short appraisal of the method of the DSA is made.