We invite you to read our latest article published in Heritage (MDPI) on the topic of FAIR Data Management in Heritage Science Research.
The implementation of data policies within the heritage science sector is a relatively recent development. FAIR data management refers to the adoption of principles and practices that make data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.
This work presents an overview of the latest updates on the INFRA-ART Spectral Library, an open-access spectral database of heritage-related materials that was designed in accordance with the European Commission’s guidelines concerning research data arising from publicly funded research and the FAIR data principles regarding access to scientific information.
The INFRA-ART Spectral Library has been designed, implemented, and optimized over several years, and it currently integrates ATR-FTIR, Raman, XRF, and SWIR reflectance spectra on over 900 different materials typically found in painted works of art. This integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the sample composition and structure, providing end-users with access to a more complex dataset that can facilitate the more accurate identification and characterization of unknown materials.
Throughout the database development process, several functionalities have been integrated to assist end users in navigating it more effectively. These include implementing a rich set of metadata descriptors, integrating keyword search and filtering options, and incorporating data visualization tools. The content is updated quarterly as new reference materials become available. Recent updates include the integration of a significant number of special-effect pigments and the expansion of artist paint samples, further enriching the range of reference samples offered.
You can find the original open-access publication here https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050123
