Fundamental Science Practices Frequently Asked Questions
What USGS scientific information products must follow FSP?
How does USGS define peer review and what are the FSP peer review requirements?
How is approval granted and what documents at a minimum must be submitted to the approving official?
What is the foundation of FSP?
What Federal Government policies require the release of scientific data, and how does the USGS intend to meet these requirements?
What is considered USGS scientific software and what are the USGS requirements for releasing it?
What types of project progress information can be reported and why is that important?
The frequently asked questions (FAQs) represent a Bureau consensus to ensure interpretations of Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) policies are uniformly applied throughout the USGS. These comprehensive FAQs not only provide further explanation of the FSP and related publishing policies but also describe the specific procedures and decision making necessary to meet the
FSP Background
Authorship
Review
Approval
USGS Publication Series
Journal Publications
Metadata
Data
Software
Project Reporting and Cooperator Publications
Web Pages, Conferences, Abstracts, and Presentations
Preprints
The FAQs will be updated as necessary and changes in the form of additions or revisions are reflected by date (month/year) as they occur. Questions about the FSP that are not addressed here should be directed to gs_fspac@usgs.gov.
FSP Frequently Asked Questions
What are metadata? [096]
Metadata describe where, when, and why the data were collected; who collected the data; what types of data were collected; what processes were used to create the data; what quality assurance controls were used; and where the collected data are located. [Read more]
How are USGS publication series scientific information products revised (if errors are identified after release) or superseded (if the information is later updated or expanded)? [082]
Revising: A few USGS Series publications are designed to be periodically updated (versioning) – but most are not. Superseding: A USGS Series publication may, with Center Director concurrence, be superseded by a new product. Access to superseded versions is maintained. [Read more]
Where can I find guidance on how the USGS Publications Warehouse handles information products? [081]
Refer to the frequently asked questions about the USGS Publications Warehouse for guidance.
Is there flexibility in publication formats of USGS publication series scientific information products? [080]
Yes. Although all USGS publication series scientific information products (except Restricted-File Federal Interagency Reports) must meet USGS Visual Identity System standards, individual products may be designed with minimal text and extensive use of images. Contact your local PSC Chief. [Read more]
How is the production of approved USGS publication series information products handled? [079]
Production support, including illustrations, graphics, design, and layout for approved USGS series scientific information products is performed by SPN staff working closely with authors. [Read more]
How do FSP requirements for release of scientific software compare to those for release of scientific data? [060]
USGS scientific software and data follow the same basic FSP requirements for review and approval and both are considered noninterpretive information. Both releases are subject to the requirements of the 2013 OSTP directive on increasing access to the results of federally funded scientific research. [Read more]
What types of review are required before approval of scientific software for publication as a software release? [059]
Approval of scientific software requires two reviews—a code review and a domain review as described in this FAQ. A single reviewer can perform either review or both reviews. The reviewer(s) are selected by the software author with concurrence of a Science Center Director for their qualifications to perform such reviews. [Read more]
What is the review and approval process for news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces? [058]
News releases, opinion pieces (commonly called op-eds), and letters to the editor are under the purview of the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing (OCAP) and are governed by review, approval and release processes as detailed in SM 500.5. Refer to delegated Bureau approval authority for additional information about approval of scientific news media products. [Read more]
What is a metadata review, and who can perform it? [057]
A metadata review includes both checking for compliance with metadata standards by using a recommended metadata validation tool and performing quality checks. A minimum of one metadata review by a qualified reviewer is required for all USGS scientific data prepared for release. The role of the metadata reviewer is to evaluate the accuracy, completeness, and usability of the metadata. [Read more]
What requirements apply to USGS data made available in non-USGS acceptable digital repositories? [056]
For USGS data products stored in non-USGS repositories, review, approval, release, and preservation requirements apply. A copy of the metadata record that describes the data asset and includes a resolvable Digital Object Identifier (DOI), must be added to the USGS Science Data Catalog, using the individual metadata upload page. [Read more]
What is a USGS author's obligation when data collected by an outside source are used (with permission) in a USGS scientific information product and have not been publicly released by the data collector, and who is responsible for releasing the data? [117]
If the party collecting the data is another Federal agency, that agency has the primary responsibility for releasing the data according to their specific requirements. [Read more]
How do I reference and cite the data supporting my publication? [116]
Include a complete bibliographic citation for the data source in the references section of the publication. Refer to the USGS Data Management website section titled "Citing Your Data." [Read more]