Données de la recherche hier et aujourd’hui : pour une histoire politique du travail en sciences humaines et sociales

Abstract

Research funding institutions in Europe have recently requested a “Data Management Plan” (DMP) from their candidates. In light of this new requirement, the article discusses the history of researchers and their “data”, e.g. the archive of ordinary research work. It analyses the practices of curating research material over time and the evolution of the administrative framework of conservation in the light of digitisation. Considering forms and practices of self-archive, archive donation or bequest, it argues that archives constitute at once the traces, source and background of research practices. While it belongs to this larger history of research archiving, the DMP model introduces changes that are both occupational, economic and political. Accordingly, it may impact the logics at stake in the voluntary making of archival collections in humanities and social sciences.

Keywords

• research data
• history of science
• materials
• ordinary practices
• data management plan